Apparatus and method for treating and in particular sterilising containers

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a container treatment device with a transport device for transporting containers along a predetermined transport path, wherein the transport device has at least one transport device for transporting the containers and at least one container treatment device for treating the containers in a predetermined manner, wherein this transport device includes a preferably rotatable carrier, on which a plurality of holding devices for holding at least one container are arranged, these holding devices being movable relative to the carrier in such a way that a distance between two containers immediately following one another on the transport path can be varied, wherein the container-handling device is arranged in such a way that it can handle the containers transported by the transport device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container treatment apparatus, inparticular a container sterilisation apparatus, having several transportdevices for transporting a container along a predetermined transportpath within a housing, wherein at least one of the transport devices isa container outer surface treatment device and at least one of thetransport devices is a container inner surface treatment device, whicheach have at least one holding device for holding at least one containerduring container treatment and/or transport along the transport path.Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for treating containers,in particular for sterilising containers.

Various container treatment apparatus are known from the prior art.Often, preforms are treated in such a container treatment apparatus,which are formed for example into bottles or other containers in asubsequent step. This has the advantage that a comparatively small areahas to be treated. This is particularly advantageous in sterilisationprocesses, as a smaller area has to be sterilised and sterilising agentsand/or energy can be saved.

The sterilisation of containers is usually carried out in an at leastlargely closed housing in order to avoid contamination from the outside.In some systems, at least one sterilisation process includes anapplication with radiation. A radiation source provided for this purposeis also usually arranged at least in sections in a housing and emits theradiation into the interior of the housing, wherein the housing havingshielding properties for this radiation. In this way, persons in thevicinity of such a sterilisation device can be protected from scatteredradiation.

Especially when sterilising different areas of containers one after theother, the problem arises that all these devices should be arrangedwithin the housing in order to avoid intermediate contamination of thealready sterilised surfaces. If several such sterilisation units arearranged within a common housing, they form a so-called sterilisationmodule. Due to the many sterilisation units and the transport devicesfor transferring individual containers from one sterilisation unit tothe next, this is often very voluminous and requires a large footprint.

It is known from the applicant's internal prior art to sterilise theouter and inner surfaces of plastic preforms after heating in an oven.The sterilisation of a container to be filled is, in addition to theactual filling process, the central process step in an aseptic fillingline. Newer developments use ionising radiation to achieve a reductionin germs. In most applications, this radiation consists of acceleratedelectrons which are generated in a corresponding system and treat thecontainers to be sterilised, wherein systems used for sterilisationconsist of an electron-generating device and a beam finger forsterilising the inner surfaces and an electron-generating device and asurface radiator for sterilising outer surfaces. The treatment devicesfor sterilising the outer surfaces and the sterilisation of the innersurfaces are each arranged on a carousel or transport starwheel, whichare connected to a pitch distribution starwheel.

The X-ray radiation generated during sterilisation must be shielded fromthe environment by suitable shielding, so that the two treatment devicesare embedded or enclosed in a radiation-shielding device. Such ashielding device is described in more detail in EP 2 845 610 A1, forexample. The embodiments described therein each also represent preferredembodiments of the housing of the present invention. The applicantexpressly reserves the right to use features of this publication also todefine preferred embodiments of the present invention. In order toensure radiation shielding also at the inlet and outlet windows to theenclosed apparatus, an inlet star is connected upstream and an outletstar is connected downstream in each case. This results in an overallapparatus which is equipped with five stars or carousels.

However, this results in a very long transfer or a very long transportdistance from the oven to the blow moulding machine or a long dwell timeof the containers in the treatment module. This results in greatdifficulties when moulding plastic preforms into finished plasticcontainers, as the preforms cool down too much on the transport path. Inaddition, the frequent transfers within a poorly accessibleradiation-shielding housing increase the risk of faulty transfers,especially during the transition from the infeed starwheel to the outertreatment module, since a punctual transfer from a holding clamp to aholding mandrel takes place here. Mistakes such as misalignment orsimilar can then lead to the loss of the preform or even damage to thetransfer devices during the subsequent transfers. With higher outputs,the footprint of the system also increases, as this increases perexisting star or carousel.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a container treatment apparatus,in particular a container sterilisation device, which can be realised ina more compact way and still offers a high throughput of containers.Such a container treatment apparatus should be as modular as possibleand be compatible with other upstream or downstream container treatmentapparatus such as a blow moulding device or a heating device.Furthermore, there is a need for a method for effective containertreatment on a short transport path.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A solution to the underlying problem according to the invention is thussolved by a container treatment apparatus, in particular a containersterilisation device, having several transport devices for transportinga container along a predetermined transport path within a housing,wherein at least one of the transport devices is a container outersurface treatment device and at least one of the transport devices is acontainer inner surface treatment device. Both the container outersurface treatment device and the container inner surface treatmentdevice each have at least one holding device for holding at least onecontainer during container treatment and/or transport along thetransport path.

It is essential for a first solution of the problem that a holdingdevice of the container outer surface treatment device and/or of thecontainer inner surface treatment device can be brought at leasttemporarily into the region of an opening of a housing wall in order toreceive a container to be brought into the space surrounded by thehousing or to discharge a container to be led out of the spacesurrounded by the housing. The possibility of being able to bring aholding device of the container outer surface treatment device and/orthe container inner surface treatment device at least temporarily intothe region of an opening of a housing wall in such a container treatmentapparatus makes it possible to transfer the container directly to acontainer treatment device or to receive it from such a containertreatment device. This makes it possible to dispense with a transportdevice which transfers the inserted container to the first containertreatment device following along the transport path inside the housingand/or takes over the treated container from the last containertreatment device inside the housing and discharges it from the housing.

Preferably, a holding device of the container outer surface treatmentdevice and/or of the container inner surface treatment device isrelatively movable with respect to a container treatment device. Inaddition or alternatively, in a particularly preferred embodiment, aposition and/or orientation of a container in the area of the containerouter surface treatment device and/or the container inner surfacetreatment device can be changed with respect to a vertical projection ofthe transport path. This movement of containers relative to each otheror relative to the projection of the transport path enables, forexample, the introduction of a beam finger or a nozzle into the interiorof the container for container inner surface treatment. Likewise, forsome applications, a relative movement in the area of the containerouter surface treatment device can also be advantageous, for example torotate and/or tilt a container relative to a nozzle or radiation source,in order to also make previously shaded surface areas accessible for thecontainer outer surface treatment device.

In a preferred embodiment, the container outer surface treatment deviceand/or the container inner surface treatment device each have arotatable carrier. Such rotatable carriers are often used in particularin the field of bottle handling, so that this embodiment offers aparticularly good possibility of integrating the container treatmentapparatus into existing systems or systems to be newly equipped.Preferably, the rotational axes of the container outer surface treatmentdevice and the container inner surface treatment device run essentiallyparallel, in particular preferably exactly parallel. This design makesit possible to achieve particularly smooth running of the carriers inrelation to each other.

Preferably, the container outer surface treatment device and/or thecontainer inner surface treatment device has a plurality of holdingelements. This makes it possible to treat several containers during arecurring movement of the respective treatment device, which increasesthe throughput.

In a preferred embodiment, a drive device of at least one of thetransport devices arranged inside the housing is arranged on a differentside with respect to a surface spanned by the transport path than adrive device of at least one other transport device arranged inside thehousing. In this way, it can be avoided that all drive devices andpossibly necessary lines are arranged on one side of the surface spannedby the transport path. Rather, it is possible that, for example, thedrive device for one or more of the transport devices arranged insidethe housing is arranged above this surface and that those for at leastone other transport device arranged inside the housing are arrangedbelow this plane. This makes it possible to offset these drive devicesso that the space inside the housing can be used more efficiently. Thisenables a more compact design of the container treatment apparatus.

In particular, it is preferred that at least one drive device of atleast one of the transport devices arranged inside the housing isarranged outside the housing. In particular, this is a drive device thatis arranged above the surface spanned by the transport path. This allowsaccess to the drive device, for example for maintenance work, withouthaving to open the housing.

A particularly preferred embodiment has turned out to be one in which adrive device of the container outer surface treatment device lies on adifferent side with respect to a plane spanned by the transport paththan the drive device of the container inner surface treatment deviceand at least one further transport device. In particular, it ispreferred that a drive device of the container outer surface treatmentdevice is arranged above the plane spanned by the transport path. Thishas proved to be preferred in particular if the holding elements of thecontainer outer surface treatment device are holding elements grippingthe respective container on the inside. With this design, the spacebelow the container outer surface treatment device is at least largelyfree. The hanging transported containers are thus not disturbed byobjects that may protrude into the transport path, such as a supply lineto the drive unit. Furthermore, this design offers the advantage thatwhen the holding elements are controlled, for example a displacement ofa holding element relative to another holding element, for example inthe height direction, by means of a control cam, this control cam ispreferably the only element arranged below the carrier of the containerouter surface treatment device and is therefore particularly easilyaccessible for adjustments.

In a preferred embodiment, the container inner surface treatment devicecomprises a plurality of treatment devices, for example nozzles or beamfingers, each of which can preferably be introduced at least in sectionsinto the interior of a container for the treatment of that container.This also enables an increase in throughput, as the treatment of severalcontainers is made possible during a recurring movement, preferably arotation about a central axis, of the container inner surface treatmentdevice.

Preferably, at most two further transport devices are arranged insidethe housing in addition to the container outer surface treatment deviceand the container inner surface treatment device. In this way, thevolume of the space enclosed by the housing can be further reduced andthe container treatment apparatus can be designed to be particularlycompact. In a further preferred embodiment, there is only one furthertransport device for transporting a container through the space enclosedby the housing. This embodiment enables a further reduction of thevolume. Furthermore, in this embodiment it is possible to deliver thecontainers after treatment by the container treatment apparatus to atreatment device following in the transport path in the same way as isthe case with treatment apparatus known from the prior art with, forexample, five transport devices. Due to the fact that in this embodimentthere is also an uneven number of all transport devices within the spacesurrounded by the housing, the direction of rotation of the first andlast transport device along the transport path within the housing isidentical.

Preferably, the at least one further transport device has a rotatablecarrier. In this way, it can be combined particularly easily with thecontainer outer surface treatment device and/or the container innersurface treatment device and can transfer containers to it and/or pickthem up from it. In particular, it is preferred that the furthertransport device is a transport starwheel. Such transport starwheels areknown from the state of the art and their integration into a containertreatment apparatus is possible with reasonable effort.

Preferably, the housing encloses a clean room. This is particularlypreferred if the container treatment apparatus is a sterilisationdevice. In this way, at least a partial area can be kept sterile insidethe housing and contamination of the containers sterilised inside thehousing can be avoided.

Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred that the housing is aradiation barrier. If radiation is used to sterilise a containersurface, the escape of this radiation or of scattered radiationresulting therefrom from the housing can thus be prevented. This servesin particular to protect persons who are in the vicinity of such acontainer treatment apparatus.

Preferably, a distance between two containers directly following eachother on the transport path can be changed in the area of the containerouter surface treatment device and/or the container inner surfacetreatment device. This allows the container to be moved past thecontainer treatment device at an individually adjustable speed. Thus,the treatment can be adjusted to the required duration without having toadjust the speed of the entire carrier on which the holding device isarranged. This results in the possibility of a high throughput withsufficient container treatment time at the same time.

Preferably, a holding device of the container outer surface treatmentdevice is a holding device gripping the container internally and/or aholding device of the container inner surface treatment device is aholding device gripping the container externally. These embodimentsenable the container to be held, at least at a container treatmentdevice, on one side by a holding device on a container surface which isopposite the container surface to be treated. This means that no partsof the holding device need to contact the container surface to betreated, so that it is freely accessible for the treatment to be carriedout by the container treatment device. For example, it is thus possibleto apply the entire surface to be treated with a sterilisation mediumsuch as a sterilisation agent solution or sterilising radiation.

In the following, a container is understood to be any container that issuitable for holding a medium. If reference is made to a first containerand a second container, these can be identical or different. However,identical containers may have different contents. For example, if thetreatment apparatus is a filling device, a first container may contain agaseous medium and the second container may contain a liquid or othergas. It is also conceivable that the treatment apparatus is asterilisation device. In this case, a first container could, forexample, be a non-sterile container and the second container a sterilecontainer.

Preferably, the (first and/or second) container to be treated is abottle and/or preform. The treatment apparatus is preferably asterilisation device or a sterilisation module. However, it is alsoconceivable that the treatment apparatus also comprises at least onetreatment device selected from a group comprising a closure device,blowing station, filling device, heating device, cooling device andlabelling device.

Preferably, the container outer surface treatment device and thecontainer inner surface treatment device are arranged directly one afterthe other along the transport path. This eliminates the need for furthertransport devices between these two container surface treatment devices,which enables a more compact design of the container treatment device.Furthermore, additional parts to be maintained in this section areavoided, so that the maintenance effort is reduced, which can cause astandstill of the container treatment apparatus as well as the openingof the housing and a possibly resulting contamination of the spaceenclosed by the housing.

Preferably, the container inner surface treatment device follows thecontainer outer surface treatment device along the transport path. It istherefore preferred that the container outer surface treatment deviceand the container inner surface treatment device are provided anddesigned in particular for a transfer of a container from the containerouter surface treatment device to the container inner surface treatmentdevice. In the case of sterilisation, for example, this has theadvantage that after sterilisation of at least a section of the outersurface, in which the container is preferably held by an internallygripping holding element, the container does not have to be grippedagain on the inside. This means that contamination of the interior ofthe container can be avoided.

In a preferred embodiment, the container outer surface treatment deviceand/or the container inner surface treatment device has a rotatablecarrier and a plurality of holding elements arranged on this carrier andguidable on a circular path and/or on a circumferential path at avariable distance from the centre point. In the following, “circularpath” is also to be understood as a circumferential path around a centrepoint as mentioned above, in which there are slight deviations from theideal circular path in one or more sectors. These can occur, forexample, as described below, by individually changing the distance ofindividual holding elements from the centre point, for example in orderto flatten the circular path in certain areas or even to enable largelylinear guidance of holding elements and the containers arranged thereonin a sector. Preferably, a holding element in a first sector of thiscircular path, in which a container is picked up, has a height relativeto a vertical projection of the transport path which is different fromthat in a second sector, in which a container is delivered. This makesit possible to take over a container at a different height (with respectto the vertical projection of the transport path) than its delivery.This can be advantageous if the adjacent transport devices along thetransport path are at different height levels.

In particular, however, this offers an advantage if the treatment by thecontainer outer surface treatment device and/or the container innersurface treatment device provides for a height displacement of thecontainer. In this case, it is not necessary to move the containerseveral times in height, for example up and down again to the startingposition. Rather, it is conceivable that during the treatment, theheight shift is only carried out over the distance that is absolutelynecessary for the process and the holding device is only shifted againto the height at which another container is picked up after the processhas been completed and the treated container has been dispensed. Thismakes it possible, especially in the case of rotating container surfacetreatment devices, to carry out this displacement of the holding elementnot occupied by a container in a sector of a circular path in which notreatment of a container is carried out and which would therefore remainunused.

It is advantageous if the container outer surface treatment device andthe container inner surface treatment device are arranged directly oneafter the other along the transport path of the containers. Since acontainer surface treatment often provides for a displacement of thecontainer along the height direction, a container surface treatmentdevice often has a device for displacing the holding element along theheight direction anyway, so that this is particularly easy to implement.

In particular, it is preferred that the container outer surfacetreatment device and the container inner surface treatment device areprovided and designed for a transfer of a container from the containerouter surface treatment device to the container inner surface treatmentdevice. Preferably, the container inner surface treatment device thusfollows the container outer surface treatment device along the transportpath. This often offers an advantage when internally gripping holdingelements are used for treating the outer surface of the container. Inthis case, the container usually hangs below an arm on which theinternal gripping holding element is arranged. In order to avoid contactbetween the arms of the different container surface treatment devices,it is therefore advisable that the transfer to the container innersurface treatment device takes place at a comparatively low heightlevel.

Preferably, a holding element of the container inner surface treatmentdevice has a lower height in the first sector than in the second sectorwith respect to a vertical projection of the transport path. Asdescribed above, it is convenient that the container inner surfacetreatment device receives a container at a comparatively low heightlevel. The height of a vertical projection of the transport path in thesector of the container pick-up is thus low. Preferably, a displacementof the container in the height direction takes place during thecontainer inner surface treatment. If a (complete) return of thecontainer to the original height (i.e. the height at which it was pickedup by the container inner surface treatment device) is not necessary forthe container inner surface treatment, the not complete return of thecontainer to the original height offers an advantage. This consists ofthe fact that, with the same rotational speed of the carrier, thetreatment of the inner surface of the container can take place over alonger section of the circular path, as the return of the thenunoccupied holding element to the original height can take place afterthe delivery of the internally treated container.

Preferably, a holding element of the container inner surface treatmentdevice is arranged in a third sector, which lies along the transportpath between the first and second sectors, at least in sections withrespect to a vertical projection of the transport path at a greaterheight with respect to a vertical projection of the transport path thanin the first sector and in the second sector. Consequently, in thisembodiment, the container held by the holding element in the thirdsector is at least temporarily arranged at a height which is both abovethe height at which the container is received by the container innersurface treatment device and that at which the container is delivered.This is particularly advantageous if the container is guided along anapplication device for the treatment of the inner surface of thecontainer and the height of the container is changed thereby. Inparticular, this enables different height areas of the container to beimpacted by the application device (which is preferably immobile in itsheight position).

In particular, it is preferred that in a third sector a containertreatment device is arranged at least in sections in the interior of acontainer. Such a container treatment device can, for example, be anozzle or a so-called beam finger, which emits sterilising radiation andapplies it to a container surface. Such beam fingers are often verysensitive and connected to a radiation and/or high-voltage source.Although it is possible to make such a beam finger movable with respectto a carrier, this is less preferred due to sensitivity and weight.Rather, it is preferred that the container treatment device has aconstant height with respect to the vertical projection of the transportpath. It is usually much easier to move an inexpensive, usually lightand less sensitive container with respect to the container handlingdevice such as a beam finger (fixed with respect to the common support)than to move the often complex and expensive container handling devicetowards the container in order to create a relative movement between thecontainer handling device and the container necessary for the containerhandling.

In particular, it is preferred that the container is moved along itslongitudinal axis towards the container treatment device, for example abeam finger, wherein the container treatment device preferablypenetrates at least in sections into the interior of the container. Thecontainer is then removed again from the container treatment device sothat the latter is again completely outside the container.

Preferably, a container receptacle or a holding device is a passiveelement, for example a clamp. Active devices that are necessary fortakeover and transfer, for example for pressing a preform into a clampand pulling it out of a clamp against the holding force of the clamp,are preferably outsourced to the transfer device and the takeoverdevice. In a preferred embodiment, a holding device of the containerouter surface treatment device and/or the container inner surfacetreatment device is an active element. In such an active element, theforce with which a container is gripped is preferably variable. Forexample, this change can be sector-dependent. This embodiment ispreferred because with the active holding elements/clamps a better andsafer takeover and/or transfer can be ensured.

Furthermore, the object according to the invention is solved by a methodfor treating containers, in which the containers are transported along apredetermined transport path through a space surrounded by the housing.The containers are transported at least in sections through a containerouter surface treatment device and a container inner surface treatmentdevice, wherein they are each held by at least one holding device duringtransport and/or container treatment.

In a first variant of this method, the solution of the above-mentionedobject is achieved by bringing a holding device of the container outersurface treatment device or the container inner surface treatment deviceat least temporarily into the area of an opening of a housing wall inorder to receive a container to be brought into the space surrounded bythe housing or to discharge a container to be led out of the spacesurrounded by the housing. As described above with regard to theapparatus, this offers the possibility of reducing the number oftransport devices arranged inside the housing and keeping the volumeenclosed by the housing small.

Preferably, a transfer of a container takes place between the containerouter surface treatment device and the container inner surface treatmentdevice. This makes it possible to dispense with a transport devicearranged between the container outer surface treatment device and thecontainer inner surface treatment device, which can also serve to keepthe volume enclosed by the housing low. In particular, it is preferredthat a container is transferred from the container outer surfacetreatment device to the container inner surface treatment device.

Preferably, a height of a container over a vertical projection of thetransport path within the space surrounded by the housing is changed atleast once, preferably at least twice, more preferably at least threetimes. The transport path thus not only extends over two dimensions, butalso uses a third dimension, in particular preferably a heightdirection. This is advantageous, for example, in order to bringdifferent areas of a container into an application area of a treatmentdevice. As described above on the apparatus side, the container can bemoved relative to a beam finger, for example, in order to bring it intothe interior of the container in sections and to ensure that the innersurface of the container is exposed to radiation from a short distance.Multiple displacement of a container along the height direction can beadvantageous or even necessary, for example lowering the previouslyraised container in order to remove the beam finger from the interior ofthe container again.

A further solution to the object defined above results when thecontainers are guided, at least in sections, by a holding device of thecontainer outer surface treatment device and/or the container innersurface treatment device on a section of the transport path, thevertical projection of which is a section of a circular path, wherein acontainer is received in a first sector by a holding element at a firstheight with respect to the vertical projection of the transport path andis delivered in a second sector at a second height different from thefirst height.

These and all other solutions shown can be implemented in addition to oras an alternative to the first solution described above. The processsteps and embodiments of the described apparatus described in thecontext of preferred variants are also not limited to the solution inthe context of which they are first mentioned. Rather, preferred processsteps and embodiments can also provide advantages for processes and/orapparatus that were not described in direct connection with thisvariant, provided that this combination is technically feasible.

For example, the one-time or multiple changes in the height of acontainer above a vertical projection of the transport path within thespace surrounded by the housing described above with regard to the firstsolution of the task is also a preferred process variant of the furthersolution of the object described only afterwards.

In the above-mentioned further solution of the object, changing theheight of a container from the height in the first sector to the heightin the second sector offers the advantage that a change in the height ofthe holding element (then not occupied by a container), which is notabsolutely necessary for the container treatment, can be made in afourth sector of the circular path along which the holding element ismoved. In this way, the time necessary for this displacement can beshifted from the sector defined by the transport speed and the diameterof the carrier, in which the container treatment takes place, to thefourth sector. The time during which a holding element is in this fourthsector is usually referred to as dead time, since no activity necessaryfor container handling can be carried out in this sector. Thepossibility of using this sector for an activity necessary for thecontainer treatment, namely the return of the holding device to theheight necessary in the first sector, conversely enables a smallerradius/diameter of the carrier and thus a reduction in the volume of thespace enclosed by the housing.

Preferably, the holding device of the container outer surface treatmentdevice and/or the container inner surface treatment device in the firstsector receives the container from a container outer surface treatmentdevice or container inner surface treatment device. This process variantoffers—as already described above—the possibility of dispensing with anadditional transport device between the container outer surfacetreatment device and the container inner surface treatment device, whichalso leads to a reduction in the volume of the space enclosed by thehousing. Furthermore, a displacement of a container along the heightdirection in the area of the container outer surface treatment deviceand/or the container inner surface treatment device is oftenadvantageous in order to enable a treatment of the entire inner or outersurface of the container. Accordingly, at least one of these containersurface treatment devices has a device for displacing the containeralong the height direction, so that this can also be used within thescope of this variant.

In a preferred variant, the container is delivered in the second sectorat a second height that is greater (with respect to a perpendicularprojection of the transport path on a plane) than the first height atwhich the container is picked up in the first sector. In particular inthe case of a transfer from an internal gripping holding element, inwhich the container usually hangs below an arm, to an external grippingholding element, a pick-up at a comparatively low height level issuitable in order to avoid contact between arms and/or holding elementsof the different container surface treatment devices.

Preferably, a container treatment device applies a treatment agent tothe container in a third sector located on the transport path betweenthe first and second sectors. As explained above, by carrying out adisplacement of the holding element (not occupied by a container) intoan area outside this third sector, which is not directly necessary forcontainer treatment, the third sector can be used to a greater extent(preferably almost completely) for the process steps directly necessaryfor container treatment.

In a preferred method variant, the holding device is moved in a fourthsector, which is not part of the transport path of the container, fromthe second height to the first height in which the container is pickedup in the first sector. The holding device is preferably not occupied bya container in this fourth sector as described above.

Preferably, the container is moved in the height direction during thetreatment of the inner surface of the container. In particular, it ispreferred that at least a part of the container is moved towards atreatment device, for example a nozzle or a radiation source. Inparticular, in the area of the treatment of the inner surface of thecontainer, it is preferred that the container is placed over a(preferably immobile with respect to the carrier) (beam) finger, so thatthe finger projects at least partially into the interior of thecontainer.

In particular, when a container has to be pulled downwards from aninternally gripping holding element during the transfer of a containerby the container inner surface treatment device, it often results thatthe distance that has to be covered in the height direction from thecontainer, to penetrate the container to the area that allows effectivesterilisation of the bottom of the container is greater than thedistance that must necessarily be travelled when the container iswithdrawn from the beam finger in order for the beam finger to becompletely removed from the interior of the container. However, as soonas the beam finger is completely outside the container, the containercan be transferred to a transport device following in the transportpath. The (then unoccupied) holding element can be moved after thecontainer has been dispensed.

The method described above with its preferred variants makes it possibleto reduce the transport path of a container in the area of a containersurface treatment device, since process steps not directly necessary forthe container treatment are carried out in areas outside the transportpath of the containers. Accordingly, the portion of the transport pathof the treatment apparatus in which treatment of the container takesplace can be increased. In this way, the treatment apparatus can be madesmaller overall or the number of treatments possible in parallel can beincreased. A reduction in weight and diameter is possible with the sameperformance.

Preferably, the holding device is guided on the movable carrier on acircular path, at least in sections. As explained above and shown insome of the figures described below, the movable carrier is preferably atransport starwheel which is rotatable about a central axis. By beingarranged on the movable carrier, the holding element follows thisrotation. However, as described above, a holding element canadditionally be moved in a vertical or radial direction with respect tothe movable carrier.

Preferably, a longitudinal axis of a container extends during itstransport along the transport path essentially perpendicular to a planedefined by the transport path. The container thus extends in a heightdirection that is perpendicular to the transport path or the planespanned by the transport path. Preferably, the perpendicular of thevertical projection of the transport path is parallel to the height ofone, preferably each, container. The height direction above the verticalprojection of the transport path is thus parallel to the heightdirection of the container(s).

A further solution to the problem underlying the present invention ofshortening the transport path for plastic containers within a containertreatment apparatus consists in a container treatment apparatus fortransporting plastic containers and in particular plastic preforms alonga predetermined transport path, wherein the container treatmentapparatus has at least a first transport device, which has a pluralityof holding elements, in particular holding clamps, for holding theplastic containers during transport, and a second transport device,which has a plurality of holding elements, in particular mandrels orholding mandrels, and the plastic containers are transferred from thefirst transport device to the second transport dell vice.

In this solution—which, however, can also be a supplement to furthersolutions and embodiments presented within the scope of thisinvention—the first transport device and the second transport device areeach a pitch distribution delay starwheel. Preferably, the firsttransport device is a (first) pitch distribution starwheel and thesecond transport device is a (second) pitch distribution starwheel. Apitch distribution starwheel is suitable and intended to change thepitch of successive or adjacently transported plastic containers and inparticular to increase and/or decrease it. This is preferably achievedby the holding elements of the first transport device and the holdingelements of the second transport device being movably and/or pivotablymounted on the respective transport device/the respective pitchdistribution starwheel and, in particular, being pivotably mountedradially or tangentially relative to the transport path of therespective transport device.

Pitch distribution starwheels are therefore always used where pitchesare to be varied or changed. If other functions are necessary, these areusually not carried out on the pitch distribution starwheel, but furthertransport starwheels or transport devices are necessary before and/orafter the pitch distribution starwheels. For example, in an apparatusknown from the internal prior art of the applicant, two transportstarwheels are necessary in order to receive the containers with holdingmandrels for an external treatment, and downstream a pitch distributionstarwheel, which is only provided for changing a division. According tothis, the pitch distribution starwheels known in the prior art can onlyperform movements horizontally, i.e. radially and/or tangentially to aplane, more precisely a circumference, of the (pitch distribution)starwheel or in relation to a longitudinal direction of the plasticcontainer, but not in other planes such as vertically, i.e.perpendicularly to a plane of the (pitch distribution) starwheel inrelation to the circumference of the (pitch distribution) starwheel orin relation to the longitudinal direction of the plastic container.Instead, these movements are usually performed on other or theadditional transport units.

Accordingly, it is proposed according to the invention to transferplastic containers directly from one pitch distribution starwheel to afurther pitch distribution starwheel without additional infeed oroutfeed starwheels, which are arranged between the pitch distributionstarwheels or the first and second transport device. This means that theoriginal treatment starwheel for external sterilisation and the upstreaminfeed starwheel are omitted inside the housing. This results in atreatment module that only needs a total of three (instead of five)transport devices or starwheels within the housing.

Preferably, a heating device is connected upstream of the containertreatment apparatus, which heats the plastic containers and inparticular plastic preforms to a predetermined temperature. The firsttransport device is advantageously arranged downstream of the heatingdevice, so that a transfer of the plastic containers from the heatingdevice to the container treatment apparatus, i.e. from an outletstarwheel (first transport device) of the heating device to an inletstarwheel (second transport device) of the container treatment apparatusis carried out with two pitch distribution starwheels without furthertransport starwheels or transport devices being arranged between thesepitch distribution starwheels.

The above-mentioned housing preferably has an enclosure within which aclean room is preferably formed. The first transport device ispreferably arranged outside the housing and thus outside the clean roomand the second transport device is preferably arranged inside thehousing and in particular inside the clean room. The first transportdevice thus preferably transfers the plastic containers to the secondtransport device, which is arranged inside a housing that shields theenvironment. The second transport device or the second pitchdistribution starwheel is therefore preferably aseptic.

In a preferred embodiment, the container treatment apparatus comprises ahousing, wherein the transport path is at least partially within thehousing.

In a preferred embodiment, the container treatment apparatus has acontainer outer surface treatment device for treating outer surfaces ofthe plastic containers, in particular a container outer surfacesterilisation device and/or a container inner surface treatment devicefor treating inner surfaces of the plastic containers, in particular acontainer inner surface sterilisation device.

The container outer surface treatment device and the container innersurface treatment device are preferably arranged within the housing.Preferably, at least the second transport device, the container outersurface treatment device and the container inner surface treatmentdevice are arranged inside the housing, so that the treatment and inparticular the sterilisation of the plastic containers preferably takesplace inside the housing or inside the clean room formed by the housing.

The container outer surface sterilisation device and the container innersurface sterilisation device sterilise the containers and in particularpreforms preferably by means of electron beams. For this purpose, thecontainer outer surface sterilisation device preferably has at least oneso-called surface radiator, which is preferably arranged along thetransport path of the containers and is directed towards their outersurfaces, and the container inner surface sterilisation devicepreferably has at least one and preferably a plurality of beam fingers,which are introduced into the containers.

In a further preferred embodiment, the container outer surface treatmentdevice is arranged on the second transport device. The container outersurface treatment device and, in particular, the container outer surfacesterilisation device is therefore preferably arranged directly on the(second) pitch distribution starwheel, so that, as usual in the state ofthe art, a treatment starwheel specially provided for externalsterilisation or external treatment is not required. The container innersurface treatment device and in particular the container inner surfacesterilisation device is preferably arranged on a transport starwheelfollowing the second transport device.

The first transport device or the pitch distribution starwheel arrangeddownstream of the heating device therefore preferably transfers theplastic containers directly to a further pitch distribution starwheel,at which an external treatment of plastic containers is also carried outdirectly. In the state of the art, an infeed starwheel is usually firstprovided after the first pitch distribution starwheel inside thehousing, which transfers the containers to the subsequent transportstarwheel for external sterilisation, which in turn transfers thecontainers to the second pitch distribution starwheel after externaltreatment.

The container treatment apparatus according to the invention or theproposed transfer from a pitch distribution starwheel to a directlyfollowing pitch distribution starwheel, on which the external treatmentis also carried out, therefore eliminates the inlet starwheel and thetreatment transport starwheel arranged in the housing, so that thehousing can in particular also be designed smaller overall.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing has a transfer window fortransferring the plastic containers from the first transport device,which is arranged outside the housing, to the second transport device,which is arranged inside the housing. Preferably, the transfer window isarranged in a transfer section in which the plastic containers aretransferred from the first transport device to the second transportdevice.

At the transfer window, the pitch of the plastic containers ispreferably variable so that the pitch distribution of the first pitchdistribution starwheel is optimally designed for or adaptable to therequirements of the second pitch distribution starwheel.

In a preferred embodiment, the transfer window has a width of between250 mm and 320 mm, preferably between 270 mm and 310 mm and particularlypreferably between 285 mm and 300 mm. Advantageously, the transferwindow is designed to be as small as possible, so that any sterilityinside the housing can be maintained and at the same time the exitwindow for possible radiation escaping from the housing is reduced.Preferably, the transfer window is designed variably so that its widthcan be changed. This is advantageous, for example, because the transferwindow can thus be adapted to different preform types and sizes. Thesetransfer windows can also be referred to as input or output.

In a further preferred embodiment, the second transport device has alifting and rotating device which enables a movement of the holdingelement of the second transport device in a vertical and/or horizontaldirection with respect to a longitudinal axis of the plastic containerand a rotational movement of the plastic container and/or the holdingelement along the longitudinal axis. Preferably, each holding element ofthe second transport device is associated with its own lifting androtating device, so that the plastic containers can be rotatedindependently of each other and/or the holding elements can be movedindependently of each other. A drive device is preferably assigned toeach lifting and rotating device, in particular for carrying out therotational movement of the plastic container, which is designed in aknown manner. The lifting movement of the holding element in verticaldirection is preferably realised by one or more lifting curves and atleast one guiding curve.

In order to enable the transfer from the first transport device to thesecond transport device and in particular from the first pitchdistribution starwheel to the second pitch distribution starwheel, alifting and rotating device is therefore additionally arranged on thesecond transport device/the second pitch distribution starwheel, whichis preferably suitable and intended for receiving the plasticcontainers.

The lifting and rotating device is required in order, on the one hand,to be able to pick up the plastic containers and hold them internally,wherein the transfer from the holding elements and, in particular,holding clamps of the first transport device to the holding elementsand, in particular, holding mandrels of the second transport devicepreferably takes place by moving the holding elements of the secondtransport device towards the containers and thus preferably in avertical direction or in the longitudinal direction of the containers,so that the holding element is moved in the direction of the container.On the other hand, the lifting and rotating device serves to rotate thecontainers about their longitudinal axis in front of the container outersurface treatment device and, in particular, the container outer surfacesterilisation device, so that an evenly distributed radiation power onthe circumference and, as a result, an even disinfection power can beapplied to the containers.

The holding elements of the first transport device are preferablyholding clamps which hold the plastic containers on an outer wall and inparticular below or above the support ring of the containers. Theholding elements of the second transport device are preferably holdingmandrels which are inserted into the containers and hold them against aninner wall. The plastic containers are thus preferably transferred froman outer holding element to an inner holding element and in particularfrom an outer holding clamp to an inner holding mandrel.

Advantageously, the lifting and rotating device also enables thecontainer to be optimally placed on the holding mandrel. The holdingmandrel is preferably rotatable so that a rotary movement of the plasticcontainer can be initiated, in particular during the treatment of thecontainer.

In a preferred embodiment, a shielding device is arranged at least insections in the area of the transfer window, which shields thesurroundings of the housing from the interior of the housing. Inparticular, this is a radiation shielding device for shielding radiationfrom the container outer surface treatment device and/or the containerinner surface treatment device and in particular arising X-rays.Accordingly, the plastic container is preferably transferred into aradiation-shielded housing.

It is therefore proposed to arrange the external sterilisation of theplastic containers and in particular plastic preforms on the secondtransport device and preferably on the second pitch distributionstarwheel. In order to make this possible, the container outer surfacetreatment device or the surface radiator is preferably arranged on thesecond transport device or the second pitch distribution starwheel, andthe second transport device or the second pitch distribution starwheelis equipped with an additional lifting and rotating device. The transferfrom the outlet starwheel of the oven (first transport device) to theradiation-shielded area is therefore preferably carried out by the firstpitch distribution starwheel. The second pitch distribution starwheel istherefore arranged within the radiation-shielded area, i.e. within thehousing.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first transport device and/or theholding elements of the first transport device follow and accompany thetransport path of the second transport device and/or the holdingelements of the second transport devices at least partially or insections during the transfer of the plastic containers to the secondtransport device. In other words, the plastic container is preferablyheld at least temporarily and in sections simultaneously by the holdingelement, in particular the holding clamp, of the first transport deviceand the holding element, in particular the holding mandrel, of thesecond transport device at or during the transfer.

During the transfer from the first transport device arranged outside thehousing to the second transport device inside the radiation-shieldedhousing, the first transport device or the holding element of the firsttransport device preferably accompanies the plastic containers at leasttemporarily. The transfer is therefore preferably carried out in anaccompanying manner.

In order to improve the transfer from the first pitch distributionstarwheel (first transport device) to the second pitch distributionstarwheel (second transport device) and to make it easier and safer toplace on the holding elements and in particular the holding mandrels ofthe second pitch distribution starwheel, the first pitch distributionstarwheel preferably accompanies the transfer of the plastic containersand in particular plastic preforms in sections on a circular path whichcorresponds to the circular path of the second pitch distributionstarwheel.

As mentioned above, the lifting and rotating device preferably carriesout a lifting movement of the holding element or holding mandrel,wherein the holding mandrel is preferably moved towards the plasticcontainer and is inserted into the container in order to hold it. Inorder to enable the lifting movement for attaching the plastic containerto the holding mandrel of the lifting and rotating device, a first and asecond lifting cam as well as a guide roller are preferably arrangedinside the housing, which enable the lifting and lowering of the holdingmandrel.

Thereby, the first pitch distribution starwheel preferably leaves itsactual transport path, which is preferably an essentially circular path,in order to accompany the transport path and preferably circular path ofthe second pitch distribution starwheel. The second pitch distributionstarwheel preferably moves on a substantially exact circular path, sothat a guide roller of the lifting and rotating device can roll on thelifting curve without transverse wear or without slipping. In thiscontext, substantially means that the transport path of the secondtransport device or of the second pitch distribution starwheel deviatesonly minimally from a circular path, wherein this also results from thechanging distances of the holding elements from each other and thedifferent distances of the holding elements from the axis of rotation ofthe pitch distribution starwheel. The attachment of the container to theholding mandrel is thus not punctual, but accompanying.

The lifting cam is preferably arranged inside the housing on astationary side wall of the housing. A lower area of the housing isadvantageously designed to be movable and can preferably be loweredcompletely to allow access for adjustment and maintenance work insidethe housing. Such a lowering is described in more detail in DE 10 2013109 794 A1, for example. The embodiments described therein each alsorepresent preferred embodiments of the lowerable housing part of thepresent invention. The applicant expressly reserves the right to usefeatures of this document to define preferred embodiments of the presentinvention.

In addition, a shielding device, such as in particular a radiationprotection wall, is arranged inside the housing and preferably at leastpartially or in sections in the region of the second pitch distributionstarwheel and in particular at least in the region of the transferwindow, which preferably shields the harmful X-rays produced by thecontainer outer treatment device and/or container inner treatment devicefrom the outer region of the housing.

Preferably, one section of the housing, and in particular an uppersection of the housing, is arranged stationary and a further section, inparticular a lower section, which is a bottom, is arranged movable andin particular lowerable. The lower section is preferably also ashielding device, such as in particular a radiation protection wall. Thearrangement of the two shielding devices is designed in such a way thatthe lifting and rotating device and in particular at least one guideroller of the lifting and rotating device can move on a track through agap between the two shielding devices.

In the area of the transfer window, a part of the lower shielding deviceis preferably arranged on the lifting cam. This part is thereforepreferably designed so that it can be dismantled during adjustment workon the container transfer without having to adjust the fastening of thelifting cam. Preferably, the lower shielding device and the lifting camcan be removed together. This means that the radiation shield can beremoved to enable or facilitate adjustment without having to removeparts of the transfers.

According to another embodiment, it would also be conceivable that thesecond pitch distribution starwheel moves towards the first pitchdistribution starwheel during the transfer or that both move towardseach other at the same time. This could minimise the transfer window inthe housing. Preferably, the first pitch distribution starwheel and thesecond pitch distribution starwheel could also be electricallycontrolled, for example by means of a long-stator technology or thelike.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention isfurther directed to a method for transporting plastic containers and, inparticular, plastic preforms along a predetermined transport path,wherein the plastic containers are transported at least by means of afirst transport device, which has a plurality of holding elements, inparticular holding clamps, for holding the plastic containers duringtransport, and a second transport device, which has a plurality ofholding elements, in particular mandrels, and are transferred from thefirst transport device to the second transport device.

In this solution—which, however, can also be a supplement to furthersolutions and embodiments presented within the scope of thisinvention—the first transport device and the second transport device areeach a pitch distribution starwheel, so that the plastic containers aretransferred from one pitch distribution starwheel to a subsequent pitchdistribution starwheel. The first transport device is preferably a firstpitch distribution starwheel and the second transport device is a secondpitch distribution starwheel.

Accordingly, it is also proposed on the process side to carry out atransfer of plastic containers directly from one pitch distributionstarwheel to a further and, in particular, directly following pitchdistribution starwheel without further transport starwheels, such asadditional infeed or outfeed starwheels, being arranged between thesepitch distribution starwheels.

In a preferred method, the second transport device is suitable andintended to move the holding elements (of the second transport device)with respect to a longitudinal axis of the plastic containers along avertical and/or horizontal direction and to rotate the plasticcontainers or the holding elements about their longitudinal axis.

In a further preferred method, treatment and in particular sterilisationof the outer surfaces of the plastic containers is carried out on thesecond transport device.

In particular, the apparatus and methods described above are alsodesigned and intended for carrying out this described method, i.e. allfeatures described for the apparatus and methods described above arealso disclosed for the method described here and vice versa.

A further solution to the problem underlying the present inventionconsists in a container treatment apparatus for transporting plasticcontainers and, in particular, plastic preforms along a predeterminedtransport path, wherein the container treatment apparatus having atleast one transport device which has a plurality of holding elements.

In this solution—which, however, can also be a supplement to othersolutions and embodiments presented within the scope of thisinvention—the transport device is a pitch distribution starwheel whichhas a movement device which is suitable and intended to enable movementof the holding elements in at least two planes.

In a preferred embodiment, the container treatment device comprises atleast a first transport device and a second transport device, whereinthe plastic containers are transferred from the first transport deviceto the second transport device.

The combination of a direct transfer from a first pitch distributionstarwheel to a second pitch distribution starwheel and a movement of theholding elements in at least two planes preferably saves space andtransport path and allows additional functions for the pitchdistribution starwheel as well as additional forms of transfer.

Even without the transfer of the above-mentioned pitch distributionstarwheel to a further pitch distribution starwheel, the movement of theholding elements in several and in particular two planes can create anadditional function on the pitch distribution starwheel, for which afurther transport starwheel was previously necessary, and thus shortenthe transport.

The movement in at least two planes is preferably a movement of theholding element in a horizontal and/or vertical direction and/or arotation of the holding element. Vertical means perpendicular to thetransport device or the pitch distribution starwheel in relation to acircumference of the transport device or a transport path of the plasticcontainers along the transport device or in relation to a longitudinalaxis of the plastic container and/or the holding element, which ispreferably a holding mandrel. Horizontal means radial and/or tangentialto the circumference of the transport device or a transport path of theplastic containers along the transport device or in relation to alongitudinal axis of the plastic container. Rotation in this contextmeans a rotation or a rotation of the holding element about its ownlongitudinal axis of the holding element, wherein this rotation inparticular causes a plastic container held by the holding element torotate about its longitudinal axis.

The movement device is therefore preferably the lifting and rotatingdevice mentioned above. All the above-mentioned features can thereforealso be applied to or combined with this embodiment and vice versa.

In a preferred embodiment, the first transport device and the secondtransport device are each a pitch distribution starwheel, so that evenwhen the holding element is moved in at least two planes on the pitchdistribution starwheel, a transfer takes place in the manner describedabove from a first pitch distribution starwheel to a second pitchdistribution starwheel.

In a further preferred embodiment, the container treatment apparatusalso has a container outer surface treatment device for treating outersurfaces of the plastic containers, in particular a container outersurface sterilisation device and/or a container inner surface treatmentdevice for treating inner surfaces of the plastic containers, inparticular a container inner surface sterilisation device, wherein thecontainer outer surface treatment device preferably being arranged onthe second transport device.

The combination of a direct transfer from a first pitch distributionstarwheel to a second pitch distribution starwheel and a movement of theholding elements in at least two planes is particularly advantageous forthe external treatment of plastic containers. In particular, the pitchdistribution is necessary in order to optimise the spacing of thecontainers for external treatment. In particular, the vertical positionof the container can be varied during circulation, for example relativeto the treatment window to optimise the irradiation.

In a further preferred embodiment, the movement device is suitable andintended to enable movement of the holding elements in three planes.Accordingly, the holding element can preferably perform movements in thehorizontal and vertical directions described above and rotate.

In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of retaining elements areholding mandrels. These internally gripping mandrels are particularlyadvantageous in external treatment, as this means that all externalsurfaces are accessible for treatment and are not covered by holdingelements.

In a further preferred embodiment, the transport device comprises atleast one lifting cam and at least one guide roller, which together aresuitable and intended to allow at least one movement of the holdingelement in at least one plane. This movement is the movement in verticaldirection. Preferably, the at least one lifting cam and the at least oneguide roller thus serve to execute the movement of the holding elementin the vertical direction. The guide roller is guided on the liftingcurve, which has correspondingly higher and lower areas for the movementof the holding element in the vertical direction and in particular an upand down movement of the holding element as seen from the centre of theearth. The movement in the horizontal direction can be carried out inthe previously known manner on the pitch distribution starwheel. Itwould also be conceivable to carry out the vertical movement by means ofa drive device, for example.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention isalso directed to a method for transporting plastic containers and, inparticular, plastic preforms along a predetermined transport path,wherein the plastic containers are transported at least by means of atransport device which has a plurality of holding elements, inparticular holding mandrels.

In this solution—which, however, can also be a supplement to furthersolutions and embodiments presented within the scope of the presentinvention—the transport device is a pitch distribution starwheel, whichenables the holding elements to be moved in at least two planes.

In a preferred method, the transport device is suitable and intended tomove the holding elements in a vertical direction and/or a horizontaldirection and/or to rotate the holding elements.

In a further preferred method, treatment and in particular sterilisationof the outer surfaces of the plastic containers is carried out on thetransport device.

In particular, the apparatus and methods described above are alsodesigned and intended for carrying out this described method, i.e. allfeatures described for the apparatus and methods described above arealso disclosed for the method described here and vice versa.

The present invention is further directed to a container treatmentapparatus and a corresponding method, in which a treatment and, inparticular, a sterilisation of containers is also carried out using aso-called pitch distribution starwheel. The invention is again describedwith reference to the sterilisation of containers, but it is noted thatthe invention can also be applied to other units such as, for example,printing units, labelling units or inspection units.

As mentioned above, the sterilisation models known from the applicant'sinternal prior art sometimes have a high number of transport devices,for example five transport starwheels. This results in a relatively longdwell time within the sterilisation module.

The invention is therefore based on the object of reducing the dwelltime of the containers, in particular in the context of sterilisation,but also during other treatments. This is achieved according to theinvention by the subject matters of the independent patent claims.Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of thesub-claims.

A container treatment apparatus according to the invention comprises atransport apparatus for transporting the container along a predeterminedtransport path, wherein the transport apparatus comprises at least onetransport device for transporting the container, as well as at least onecontainer treatment device for treating the container in a predeterminedmanner. In this case, this transport device has a (preferably rotatable)carrier on which a plurality of holding devices for holding at least onecontainer are arranged. Instead of this rotatable carrier, the carriercan also be designed as an elongated stator, which preferably forms acomponent of a linear motor, wherein the holding devices are preferablydesigned on shuttles which are movable relative to this elongated stator(wherein these shuttles represent the rotors of the linear motor).

In a first embodiment according to the invention, these holding devicesare movable with respect to the carrier in such a way that a distancebetween two containers immediately following each other on the transportpath can be changed. Furthermore, this container treatment device isarranged in such a way that it can treat the containers transported bythe transport devices.

In a further embodiment according to the invention, the holding deviceis rotatable in such a way that the container held by this holdingdevice is rotatable with respect to its longitudinal direction.

In a further embodiment according to the invention, as mentioned above,a linear motor drive is provided instead of a transport device with arotatable carrier. In this embodiment, a long stator with a plurality ofmagnetic or magnetisable elements is provided, opposite which one ormore shuttles can move. Again, preferably, this long stator has asubstantially rectilinear section on which, particularly preferably, thetreatment device is arranged. In other words, the transport devicepreferably has a carrier, which is designed as a stator, in particular astationary carrier, on which a plurality of holding devices, whichpreferably each have (or form) a runner, are arranged for holding atleast one container.

It is pointed out that the above-mentioned task can be achieved by thethree above-mentioned embodiments according to the invention.Nevertheless, it is also possible to combine these embodiments with eachother, in particular to combine the change of a distance between theholding devices with the rotatability of the holding devices.

In a preferred embodiment, the containers are selected from a group ofcontainers comprising plastic preforms, plastic bottles, glass bottlesand the like. In particular, the containers are plastic preforms.

Particularly preferably, the holding devices are arranged on swivellingand/or linearly displaceable arms. Particularly preferably, the holdingdevices or components of the holding devices are rotatable relative tothese swivelling arms. Particularly preferably, the holding devices arepivotable relative to the carrier. In a further preferred embodiment,the holding devices are also movable in a rectilinear direction relativeto the carrier.

In a preferred embodiment, the transport device is a so-called pitchdistribution starwheel, i.e. a transport device which can change thedistribution of the transported containers. Preferably, the pitchdistribution starwheel is designed in the manner described below orabove in the context of this application.

Particularly preferably, the treatment of the containers takes place ina straight section of the transport path. Particularly preferably, thecontainer treatment device is stationary and the containers move pastit.

Particularly preferably, the distance between two containers directlyfollowing each other on the transport path can be changed during themovement of the containers. Particularly preferably, containerstransported by the transport device can be transported at least insections along a straight line.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the container treatment device issuitable and intended for treating an outer surface of the containers.In this embodiment, it is possible and preferred that the treatmentdevice is arranged in particular laterally next to a transport path ofthe containers.

In particular, the treatment device is arranged laterally next to thetransport path but at a small distance from it. A small distance isunderstood to be less than 10 cm, preferably less than 8 cm, preferablyless than 6 cm and preferably less than 5 cm.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport device has a drivedevice and preferably a plurality of drive devices by means of which thecontainers held by the holding devices can be rotated with respect totheir longitudinal axis. This can be an electric motor drive, forexample, but other drives could also be considered.

Particularly preferably, the at least one drive device generates therotary movements of the containers and/or their holding devices withoutcontact. For example, a magnetic coupling is conceivable, which can alsoextend through a housing within which the arrangement is located. Thisis explained in more detail with reference to the figures.

Particularly preferably, the containers and especially the containersheld on the holding devices can be moved in their longitudinaldirection. In this way, the treatment of the containers can be improved.It is possible that the containers can be moved together with theholding device holding them or also with respect to the holding device.It is possible that each of the containers can be moved individually inits longitudinal direction. However, it would also be conceivable that ajoint movement of the holding devices and/or the containers takes place,for example by means of a lifting curve. In addition, linear motor drivedevices could also be provided to achieve this movement in thelongitudinal direction of the containers.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the container treatment device isselected from a group of container treatment devices comprisingcontainer outer surface treatment devices, in particular container outersurface sterilisation devices, container inner surface treatmentdevices, in particular container inner surface sterilisation devices,container inspection devices, container printing devices, containermarking devices and the like.

In the following, particular reference is made to the sterilisation of acontainer to be filled or a plastic preform (which is in particularformed into such a container). The sterilisation of a container to befilled is, in addition to the actual filling process, the centralprocess step in an aseptic filling line. Newer developments use ionisingradiation, especially electron radiation, to achieve germ reduction. Inmost applications, this radiation consists of accelerated electrons (butalso, or alternatively, ultraviolet radiation), which are generated in acorresponding system and thus reach in or on the container to besterilised.

Systems known in the prior art of the applicant which are used forsterilisation have an electron-generating device, as well as a beamfinger for sterilising the inner surfaces and an electron-generatingdevice and, in addition, also a surface radiator, in particular forsterilising outer surfaces.

In known concepts, the sterilisation of the outer surfaces precedes thesterilisation of the inner surfaces. This is sometimes done oncarousels, as already explained above. Usually, such transport devicesor carousels are connected to a pitch distribution starwheel. Theresulting X-rays should be shielded from the environment by suitableshielding. Thus, the two treatment devices are embedded or enclosed in aradiation-shielding device. In order to ensure radiation shielding alsoat an outlet starwheel, in each case an inlet starwheel is connectedupstream and an outlet starwheel is connected downstream. In this way,the applicant's prior art results in an overall device which is equippedwith five stars or carousels.

This results in various disadvantages, which lie primarily in theexcessively long transfer, for example from an oven to a blow-mouldingmachine, or in the long dwell time in the treatment module. This is dueto the five-star design. This also results in great difficulties whenmoulding plastic preforms into finished containers, especially if theplastic preforms have somewhat unfavourable stretching ratios.

In addition, frequent transfers, especially within a poorly accessibleradiation-shielding housing, increase the risk of faulty transfers. Inthe prior art of the applicant, a punctual transfer from a clamping starto an insertion mandrel takes place in particular during a transitionfrom the inlet starwheel to an external treatment module. Mistakes suchas misalignment or the like can then lead to a loss of the plasticpreform or even damage to the transfer device during subsequenttransfers.

With higher outputs, the footprint of the plant also increases becauseall starwheels or carousels would grow with the higher output.

The invention now proposes to carry out the external sterilisation ofthe plastic preforms at the pitch distribution starwheel. In order tomake this possible, the treatment device, and in particular a surfaceradiator, is placed on the pitch distribution starwheel and the pitchdistribution starwheel is preferably equipped with an additional liftingand rotating unit.

This makes it possible to extend the dwell time of the plastic preformsat the treatment device and preferably at a window of the surfaceradiator and thus to ensure the required radiation dose for sterilisingthe plastic preforms.

In order to be able to distribute the dose evenly around thecircumference of the plastic preform, the pitch distribution starwheelis preferably equipped with a lifting rotation device which makes itpossible to rotate the plastic preform in front of the treatment deviceand in particular in front of the window of the surface radiator. Therotation should preferably go once completely over 360°, but multiplerotations would also be conceivable and desirable.

However, it is also conceivable to work with slightly smaller rotationsthan 360°, since the surface radiator treats the entire side of theplastic preform facing it, even if not homogeneously.

By using a pitch distribution starwheel (TVS) to move the plasticpreform in front of the surface blaster, it is possible on the one handto increase the treatment time or the packing density in front of thetreatment window and on the other hand also to optimise the running pathof the plastic preforms in front of the surface radiator.

This means that ideally a straight path or a maximum circular path canbe followed in front of the surface radiator and that the distance atthe sides of the blasting window is not increased excessively. This isadvantageous because the dose on the plastic preform decreases withincreased distance during treatment. The dose distribution over thecircumference of the plastic preform would therefore not be uniform.

In a preferred embodiment, the surface radiator has a flat surface orradiating surface.

Inside the module or housing, and in particular at least partiallyaround the inner part of the pitch distribution starwheel, there ispreferably a radiation protection wall which protects against theharmful X-ray Bremssstrahlung of the surface radiator, but also againstthe radiation of the finger emitter is sealed off from the outside.

Preferably, an upper part is fixed to the housing and a lower part isfixed to the lowerable bottom. Both radiation shielding walls areparticularly preferably arranged in an overlapping manner and the gapbetween the two shielding walls is advantageously designed in such a waythat the lifting and rotating device can move on a track, in particularthrough the gap between the two shields which are fixed in operation.

The radiation shielding walls of the housing are advantageously made ofa special radiation shielding material, for example of lead encased instainless steel or of tungsten or of a tungsten-sintered composite or ofa material with similar properties.

However, parts of the shielding are also preferably made of stainlesssteel or cast material. The adaptation of the shielding material to abetter radiation tightness results above all in a considerably smallerwall thickness of the shielding and thus the possibility to move withthe lifting and rotating unit between the two shielding walls on thetrack of the pitch distribution starwheel or to let the shieldingprotrude into the lifting and rotating device without having to widen orenlarge it unduly.

The shielding walls of the housing preferably follow the track of theTVS or are identical or very similar to the plastic preform track. Thetrack of the TVS can also be adapted to allow movement to the side ofthe surface radiator towards the surface radiator in order to improvethe radiation shielding with the shielding that follows the track of theplastic preform (also called preform).

This would make it possible to shield a large part of the X-rayBremsstrahlung directly at or in the vicinity of the surface radiatorwithout the harmful radiation being able to reach far into the housing.This would also make it possible to quickly reduce the required wallthicknesses, which would save costs and weight.

A further embodiment would be the use of a type of long-stator drivewith shuttles that could replace the TVS or take over its functions. Theadvantage here would be the even freer movement of the travel profileand thus the longer dwell time in front of the surface radiator. In thisembodiment, the use of a linear motor is proposed. As described above,this could also have a straight course in the area of the treatmentdevice or a course with a very high radius of curvature.

The rotary movement is preferably introduced to the lifting and rotatingunit in compliance with aseptic aspects and is most advantageouslytransmitted without contact.

But all other possibilities up to the driven toothed belt are alsoconceivable.

An essential aspect of this design according to the invention is theattachment of the surface radiator to the pitch distribution starwheeland thus, preferably, making the three-star concept possible. Thisresults in considerable advantages by shortening the dwell time of theplastic preforms in the module or in the apparatus. In addition, thedwell time of the plastic preforms upstream of the treatment device, inparticular upstream of the surface radiator, can be increased in orderto be able to achieve high sterilisation rates.

The path curve in front of the surface radiator can also be optimised inthis way in order to increase the radiation dose at the sides of thesurface radiator. The distance in front of the surface radiator can thusbe positioned as close as possible to the radiation window or is notraised at the edges.

In a preferred embodiment, a distance between the surface radiator andthe container or plastic preform is less than 10 cm, preferably lessthan 8 cm, preferably less than 6 cm, preferably less than 5 cm,preferably less than 4 cm, preferably less than 3 cm and particularlypreferably less than 2 cm.

As mentioned above, the outer surface of plastic preforms is sterilisedin a partial step using electron beams. The plastic preform rotatesaround its longitudinal axis in front of an electron source so that allsurface points on the outside of the plastic preform receive as uniforman irradiation dose as possible.

In the prior art, the plastic preform is rotated in front of an electronsource by driving its carrier, for example by belts or pinions. Thedisadvantages here are abrasion and dirt, which inevitably occur due tothe contact drive. Especially in an aseptic environment, such potentialcontamination is a major problem.

A magnetic drive is known from EP 3 431 402 which initiates a rotarymovement without contact and therefore almost manages without a drive.However, the uniformity of the rotational speed is a disadvantage here,as strongly varying torques occur due to the magnetic coupling. This canresult in the plastic preform not rotating uniformly in front of theradiation source and the dose distribution on the surface of the outsideof the plastic preform not being constant.

It is thus proposed to transport the plastic preform not on a transportstarwheel with constant pitch in front of the electron radiator, as isusually the case, but on a pitch distribution starwheel (TVS). Thisallows a variable tangential speed at different points of the starwheel.

In order to rotate the plastic preform around its longitudinal axis, itis proposed to integrate rotation mandrels into this TVS, onto which theplastic preform can be placed, in particular from below. The mandrelsare rotated around their longitudinal axis at least in the area of theelectron source in order to irradiate the outer shell of the plasticpreform as uniformly as possible.

A magnetic drive and/or a contactless drive is used to drive the rotarymandrels.

In a preferred embodiment, the drive has a rotational speed smoothingdevice that causes the rotary drive not to be subject to high rotationalspeed variations. This is explained in more detail below.

In a preferred embodiment, the container treatment apparatus has ahousing within which at least one transport device is arranged and thishousing preferably forms a clean room which shields an interior of thishousing from a (particularly non-sterile) environment. Particularlypreferably, the pitch distribution starwheel described here is arrangedwithin this housing.

Preferably, further transport devices are also arranged within thishousing.

Particularly preferably, this housing is designed at least in sectionsas a radiation shielding housing, in particular for protection againstbeta and/or gamma radiation, but also against X-ray radiation.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one wall of the housing runsparallel to a section of the transport path of the containers. Due tothis course, the overall size of the housing can be reduced. Inparticular, this is a wall running in a straight line along thetransport path of the plastic preforms.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the container treatment apparatushas at least one further transport device for transporting thecontainers, and preferably at least two further transport devices, andparticularly preferably exactly two further transport devices, whichserve to transport the containers and in particular plastic preforms.

In a further preferred embodiment, the container treatment apparatuscomprises at least one second container treatment device, wherein thissecond container treatment device is particularly preferably a containerinner surface treatment device and in particular a container innersurface sterilisation device.

As mentioned above, this second treatment device preferably has aplurality of beam fingers which can be introduced into the containers inorder to act upon them with electron radiation. Particularly preferably,electron acceleration devices are provided in each case, as well as exitwindows for the exit of the electron beams, which are preferably made oftitanium.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the drive device generates therotary movement of the holding devices by means of magnetic forces. Asexplained in more detail below, a rotor with a plurality of magnets canbe arranged on the holding device, the rotary movement of which isgenerated by a stator which also has a plurality of magnets or magneticor magnetisable elements.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the container treatment device hasa monitoring device for monitoring the rotational movement of thecontainers. Particularly preferably, this monitoring device has an imagerecording device or at least one coil. For example, currents or voltagescan be induced in a coil, which in turn are a measure for monitoring therotary movement. It would be possible, for example, for a plurality ofcoils to be provided which are arranged between magnets, for examplewithin a stator. Preferably, the monitoring device is suitable andintended to detect a standstill of the rotational movement of theplastic preforms and/or a deviation of the rotational speeds of theplastic preforms (or the holding devices holding them).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the drive device has a rotorcoupled to the holding device, on which a plurality of magnets arearranged, and a stator, on which a plurality of magnets or magneticelements are preferably also arranged. In this way, the rotary movementis transmitted by magnetic forces between a stator and a rotor. It wouldbe possible for this stator to be arranged outside or inside the housingand for the transmission of the magnetic forces to take place through ahousing wall.

In a preferred embodiment, the stator is rectilinear and/or the magneticelements of the stator extend along a rectilinear direction.Particularly preferably, the rotor is circular. In this embodiment, arectilinear stator therefore interacts with a circular rotor.

Particularly preferably, the magnets or magnetic elements (or alongitudinal direction of these magnets or magnetic elements of therotor and/or the stator) extend at least in sections obliquely withrespect to a direction which is parallel to the axis of rotation of theholding device.

In the vertical arrangement of magnets shown in EP 3 431 402, theattraction forces vary greatly along the direction of transport becauseat one position the magnets are exactly opposite each other. In thiscase, no torque is transmitted and at another position there isrepulsion and attraction and thus a high torque. This high variance inthe torque leads to (unintentional) speed fluctuations. This problemincreases with increasing transversal speed of the rollers, i.e. withincreasing production rates. Above a certain transversal speed, thetorque fluctuations mean that the roller can no longer be synchronisedinto the magnetic pitch and thus no longer performs a continuous rotarymovement.

The improved shape of the permanent magnets described here, inparticular on a stator, which is especially preferably designed as afixed bar, and a rotor (which is designed as a magnetic roller, forexample) can have a smoothing effect on the torque curve along thetransport path. For example, obliquely toothed magnet arrangements canbe provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the magnets and/or magnetic elements run in astraight line but at an angle and/or skew with respect to said axis ofrotation. In a further preferred embodiment, the magnets and/or magneticelements run at an angle to the axis of rotation. In a further preferredembodiment, the magnets or magnetic elements are curved.

In a further preferred embodiment, the individual magnets are spacedapart in the direction of transport of the plastic preforms.

In a preferred embodiment, only one of the two magnetic partners carriesmagnets and the other has a material with high magnetic permeability,such as iron. By suitably guiding the magnetic fluxes, torquefluctuations can be influenced in a favourable manner. This principle ispartly known in reluctance motors, where the torque in the rotor isgenerated exclusively by the reluctance force and not to a significantextent by the Lorentz force.

In a preferred embodiment, the material of a carrier of the magnets (notthe magnet material itself) is chosen to have the lowest possibleelectrical resistance. For example, the magnet carrier can be made ofaluminium.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the drive device comprises a rotorcoupled to the holding device and a stator, wherein either the rotor orthe stator is made of or comprises a material having a high magneticpermeability, wherein said material preferably being selected from agroup of materials containing iron, mu-metal (NiFe), nanocrystallinemetals, and

amorphous metals) and/or the permeability number of the material isgreater than 200, preferably greater than 300.

If the tangential speed is not equal to an ideal rolling speed at thebar or stator, the opposing permanent magnets induce a voltage in theconductive carrier material and cause eddy currents. These brake oraccelerate the rotational movement of a roller and push it in thedirection of the ideal speed.

This idea is similar to the principle of an eddy current brake, i.e.here too the circumference of the roller is braked and thus the rolleritself is set in rotation.

Particularly preferably, the apparatus has a cover for covering themagnets. This can, for example, consist of a material that is a goodconductor of electricity in order to create the eddy current effecthere. For example, the cover can be made of aluminium.

As mentioned, in a preferred embodiment, coils are inserted in at leastone of the drive elements, i.e. the stator or the rotor and inparticular in a fixed magnetic bar, which preferably point in the axialdirection towards the rotor, i.e. the roller.

As long as the rotor rotates at an ideal speed and “rolls” along the baras desired, only little voltage is induced in the coils. However, if aroller slips or oscillates at the rotational speed, then relatively muchvoltage is induced in the coils due to the large change in flux density.

The induced voltages are measured by an electronic control (for examplePLC) and can be evaluated either in the coil or as a series connectionof the coils.

The present invention is further directed to a method for treatingcontainers, wherein the containers are transported by a transportapparatus along a predetermined transport path, and wherein thetransport apparatus comprises at least one transport device fortransporting the container, and wherein at least one container treatmentapparatus treats the containers in a predetermined manner, wherein saidtransport device comprising a rotatable carrier on which a plurality ofholding devices hold said (plurality of) containers.

In an embodiment according to the invention, these holding devices aremoved relative to a carrier in such a way that a distance between twocontainers immediately following each other on the transport path ischanged. Furthermore, the container treatment device treats thecontainers transported by the transport device.

In a further method according to the invention, the containers held bythe holding devices are rotated at least temporarily and preferablyduring this treatment with respect to a longitudinal direction of thecontainers and in particular during the treatment, wherein a monitoringdevice particularly preferably monitors the rotational movement of thecontainers and in particular monitors it with respect to a rotationalspeed.

It is therefore also proposed on the process side that the treatmenttakes place during a rotation of the containers. Preferably, thecontainers are plastic preforms.

In a preferred method, the container treatment device treats an outersurface of the containers. In particular, the container treatment devicesterilises the outer surface of the containers. Particularly preferably,a surface radiator is provided for this purpose, which directsradiation, in particular electron radiation, onto the outer surface ofthe containers. This surface radiator can be arranged on a housing ofthe apparatus in such a way that the radiation reaches the containersthrough an opening in the housing.

Particularly preferably, the container treatment device treats thecontainers while these containers are transported along a substantiallystraight transport path section. Alternatively, it may be a transportpath section whose radius of curvature is substantially larger than ageometric radius of curvature that would result if all holding deviceson the transport equipment were aligned in the same way. Particularlypreferably, this radius of curvature is at least twice, preferably atleast three times, preferably at least four times and preferably atleast five times as large.

Particularly preferably, the containers are also treated with a secondtreatment device. In particular, an internal sterilisation is carriedout as described above. For example, electron beam devices can beintroduced into the containers.

Preferably, the containers are moved past the stationary treatmentdevices. In a further preferred method, the rotation of the containersarranged on the holding devices is transmitted by magnetic forces.

Preferably, the transmission of the rotational movement takes place insuch a way that a rotational speed of the containers and/or plasticpreforms is smoothed.

In a preferred method, the rotational movement of the containers issmoothed and/or vibration damping is performed by means of eddycurrents.

The present invention further relates to an apparatus for treatingplastic preforms, in particular for sterilising plastic preforms.

Such apparatus have been known from the state of the art for a longtime. In this case, plastic preforms are fed through an entrance in ahousing in which a treatment, in particular a sterilisation, is carriedout. In these types of apparatus, transport devices are usually attachedwhich transport the plastic preforms along a transport path. Aftertreatment, the plastic preforms are removed via an outlet of the device.

However, the prior art has a disadvantage. In order to be able to removedefective plastic preforms or plastic preforms that do not meet certainrequirements, which for example have not been sufficiently treated andin particular sterilised, the entire process would have to be stoppedand the housing opened. However, opening the apparatus couldre-contaminate plastic preforms that meet the requirements. Also, if thehousing is opened, its cleanroom properties are lost and the housingmust be sterilised again.

The present invention is therefore based on the object that plasticpreforms or, more generally, containers can be removed withoutinterrupting the operating process and/or opening the housing.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by the subjectmatters of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and furtherdevelopments are the subject of the subclaims.

An apparatus according to the invention for treating containers, inparticular plastic containers and in particular plastic preforms, inparticular for sterilising plastic preforms, has a housing whichsurrounds the apparatus, wherein the containers or plastic preformsbeing treated inside the housing. At least one transport device isprovided inside this housing for transporting the plastic preforms alonga predetermined transport path. The apparatus has an entrance throughwhich the plastic preforms can be introduced into the housing and anexit through which the plastic preforms can be removed from the housing.

According to the invention, the apparatus comprises an airlock deviceand/or a removal device by means of which the plastic preforms can beremoved from the housing.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus has holding devicesfor holding the plastic preforms. These can be holding mandrels thatengage in the mouths of the plastic preforms.

It is noted that the present invention may also be combined with otheraspects described within the scope of the present application, forexample, the presence of exactly three transport devices within thehousing, or the presence of a pitch distribution starwheel or the like.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport device has arotatable carrier on which the holding devices are arranged. This can bea transport starwheel.

Advantageously, the transport device is a pitch distribution starwheelwhich is suitable for changing and, in particular, increasing thedistance between successive plastic preforms. Instead of the pitchdistribution starwheel, it would also be conceivable to use an elongatedstator that changes the pitch of the plastic preforms.

Preferably, the plastic preforms are removable during an operation ofthe apparatus, in particular during a sterilisation operation, inparticular also during a transport of the remaining plastic preforms.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the containers and in particularplastic preforms can be removed via a further outlet, which ispreferably located between the inlet and the outlet. Particularlypreferably, a further outlet is arranged closer to the outlet than tothe inlet. In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus has severaltransport devices and the further outlet is particularly preferablyarranged in a region of the last of these transport devices.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus removes selectedand/or defective plastic preforms. Preferably, the apparatus can removedamaged plastic preforms or those that have fallen off. In addition,containers and in particular plastic preforms that have been incorrectlysterilised can also be removed.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus has an inspectiondevice for inspecting the containers and in particular the plasticpreforms. In doing so, the containers and in particular the plasticpreforms are inspected for defects and/or are examined as to whetherthey meet certain requirements. Preferably, this inspection device sendsa signal to the airlock device as to whether a container and inparticular a plastic preform should be removed.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus has a sterilisationdevice for sterilising the plastic preforms. In this case, an electronbeam sterilisation device is particularly preferred.

Preferably, the apparatus has a container inner surface treatment deviceand/or a container outer surface treatment device. As mentioned above,the container outer surface treatment device is preferably designed as asurface radiator and in particular as an electron surface radiator.

In a further preferred embodiment, the container inner surface treatmentdevice is designed as described above, i.e. it has, in particular,rod-like bodies which can be inserted into the plastic preforms andwhich sterilise the inner wall of the plastic preforms with electronbeams.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a discharge starwheel is providedby means of which the plastic preforms can be discharged from theapparatus.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the housing surrounding theapparatus is an isolator.

In this case, a clean room is preferably provided, which is particularlypreferably kept under a positive pressure (e.g. sterile air). Thehousing and/or the housing walls are preferably designed to shieldagainst radiation.

According to the invention, the clean room function can also bemaintained when plastic preforms are removed through an airlock device.

Advantageously, the airlock device is separable and in particularseparable from the housing. Thus, it is possible that an area of theentire apparatus or the electron beam module can be separated from thehousing. In particular, this area and/or the airlock device can beseparated without destroying the clean room properties. Preferably, thisairlock device can also be separated during operation of the apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment, the airlock device is manually separable byan operator. The airlock device and/or said area is preferably separablein such a way that neither radiation nor gases produced duringproduction can enter or leave the housing in a separation area or thesterility of the rest of the machine is endangered.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus has a transport device and, inparticular, an outlet starwheel by means of which the containers and, inparticular, plastic preforms are discharged from the apparatus. Thistransport device and/or the apparatus can have a radiation protectiondevice which prevents radiation, in particular X-rays, from escapingfrom the housing.

During operation of the apparatus, it is possible that containers and inparticular plastic preforms are guided into the area of the airlockdevice, in particular if this airlock device is not separated from theapparatus or is located on the apparatus or the housing.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus has a conveyingdevice which conveys containers and, in particular, plastic preformsinto the airlock device and, in particular, into the aforementionedseparable part of the apparatus. Such a conveying device can, forexample, have inclined surfaces which convey the containers or plasticpreforms into the airlock.

The described procedure makes it possible to eject containers or plasticpreforms during ongoing production or production does not have to beinterrupted. In this way, the plastic preforms can be removed forfurther testing.

In a preferred embodiment, the airlock device is arranged on a wall ofthe housing and, in particular, on an opening in this wall via whichplastic preforms can pass from the housing into the airlock device.

A movable wall element can be provided in this wall of the housing withwhich this opening can be closed.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a further transport device andpreferably at least two further transport devices are arranged in thehousing.

The present invention is further directed to a method for treatingplastic preforms, in particular for sterilising plastic preforms. Inthis process, the plastic preforms are treated and, in particular,sterilised within a housing and are transported along a predeterminedtransport path by a transport device. The plastic preforms areintroduced into the housing via an inlet and, at the end of anoperation, are removed from the housing again via an outlet.

According to the invention, a predetermined proportion of the plasticpreforms is removed from the housing via an airlock device.

In a further preferred method, the plastic preforms are treated and inparticular sterilised with a sterilisation device. In this process, theplastic preforms are particularly preferably treated with a containerinner surface treatment device and/or with a container outer surfacetreatment device and in particular sterilised.

Preferably, the airlock device is at least temporarily separated orremoved from the housing.

In summary, the plastic preforms can be transported along a straightline past the treatment device. At this distance, the distance betweenthe plastic preform or container and the treatment device, in particulara surface radiator, also remains essentially the same. Furthermore, theplastic preforms are preferably moved between the treatment device and aradiation shield. This radiation shield can consist of a speciallyselected material, for example tungsten.

The pitch distribution starwheel allows the plastic preforms to be movedpast the treatment device or the surface radiator for a relatively longtime. Preferably, the packing density of the plastic preforms can alsobe increased in front of the surface radiator.

The radiation shield (inside and/or outside the housing) preferably hasa contour that prevents radiation from escaping from the housing orinsulator. The pitch distribution starwheel allows the plastic preformsto follow the contour of the radiation shield. As mentioned above, along stator with shuttles or a linear motor drive can also be selectedinstead of a pitch distribution starwheel.

The present invention further relates to a container treatment apparatuscomprising a module for sterilisation with radiation and a rinser and acorresponding method.

In the beverage manufacturing industry, it has long been known that thecontainers to be filled are sterilised, especially before they arefilled. It has proven advantageous not to sterilise the expandedcontainers first, but to sterilise the preforms before they are formedinto containers, as the preforms are much smaller than the resultingcontainers.

The term “container” therefore also includes in particular a preform,especially a plastic preform.

One method of sterilisation used in the prior art is sterilisation usingsterilising gases and in particular hydrogen peroxide. In order toreduce the use of chemicals in the sterilisation of containers,apparatus and methods are also known in the state of the art whichsterilise the containers using other measures, such as ultravioletradiation or electron beams.

For cleaning containers, it is also known to act upon the containerswith a flowable medium, so that in particular dust and other impuritieslocated in the containers are removed from the interior of thecontainers, in order to avoid contamination of the product during thesubsequent filling process.

According to the current state of the art, a combination of thedifferent cleaning methods often proves to be difficult.

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing an apparatusand a method by which the best possible cleaning and sterilisationresult of the containers can be achieved.

A container treatment apparatus according to the invention, inparticular a container sterilisation apparatus, has a plurality oftransport devices for transporting a container along a predeterminedtransport path within a housing, wherein at least one of the transportdevices is a container outer surface treatment device and at least oneof the transport devices is a container inner surface treatment device,each having at least one holding device for holding at least onecontainer during a container treatment and/or transport along thetransport path.

According to the invention, the container outer surface treatment deviceand/or the container inner surface treatment device comprises at leastone radiation source and the container treatment apparatus comprisesaccording to the invention at least one application device which actsupon the container with a flowable medium, in particular ionised air.

In a preferred embodiment, the radiation source is an electron radiationsource. Preferably, the container outer surface treatment device and thecontainer inner surface treatment device each have a radiation source,preferably an electron radiation source. It is therefore proposed thatradiation, and in particular electron radiation, is used for bothcontainer inner sterilisation and container outer sterilisation.

In a preferred embodiment, the container inner surface treatment devicehas a container inner surface application device. Advantageously, thecontainer inner surface application device acts upon an inner surface ofthe container with electron radiation. Preferably, the container innersurface application device is insertable into the interior of thecontainer to be sterilised, in particular through a mouth region.Advantageously, the container inner surface application device issuitable for emitting radiation, in particular electron radiation,inside the container for a predetermined period of time.

Preferably, at least one holding device is suitable and provided to holdthe container during the container inner surface sterilisation.Advantageously, the container inner surface application device and/orthe holding device are movable. Advantageously, the container innersurface application device and/or the holding device are also movable atleast in a longitudinal direction of the container. Preferably, thecontainer inner surface application device and/or the holding device aremovable in a longitudinal direction of the container at least alsoduring the container inner surface sterilisation. Advantageously, thecontainer can be moved relative to the container inner surfaceapplication device in a longitudinal direction of the container at leasttemporarily at a relative movement speed during a predetermined periodof time.

In a preferred embodiment, the container outer surface treatment devicehas a container outer surface application device. Advantageously, thecontainer outer surface treatment device is always arranged outside thecontainers to be sterilised, for example laterally along a transportpath of the containers. Preferably, the container outer surfacetreatment device is arranged stationary with respect to the transportpath of the containers. In this way, the individual containers areguided past the container outer surface treatment device.Advantageously, the container outer surface application device has aradiation source whose exit window distributes the radiation evenly overa large area, in particular over the outer surface of the containers tobe sterilised.

In an advantageous embodiment, the application device is preferably aso-called rinser or rinser unit. The flowable medium is preferably agaseous medium, particularly preferably compressed air and in particularpurified, prepared and/or sterilised compressed air. Advantageously, theflowable medium can also be a liquid medium. It is also conceivable thatthe flowable medium is a sterile medium, so that no furthercontamination of the containers is caused.

The combination of an application device with a container outer surfacetreatment device and/or a container inner surface treatment device has aparticularly advantageous effect on the disinfection results and the logrates to be achieved. This applies in particular if the container outersurface treatment device and/or the container inner surface treatmentdevice has a radiation source, in particular an electron radiationsource.

In a preferred embodiment, the container treatment apparatus has afurther transport device which transports the containers during thetreatment process. This transport device is preferably a saw-toothstarwheel.

In a preferred embodiment, the application device has at least onerinser nozzle. Preferably, this can be a static or stationary nozzle. Ina static arrangement of the rinser nozzle, the preforms are preferablymoved away under the application device and thus cleaned. With such astationary rinser nozzle, the containers, in particular the plasticpreforms, are preferably transported in an upright position, i.e. withtheir mouths pointing upwards.

In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one rinser nozzle can bemoved along with the containers at least temporarily during thetransport of the containers. Compared to a stationary nozzle, a movingnozzle enables considerably longer process or rinsing times, which leadsto better rinsing results overall.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one rinsernozzle can be moved along with the containers and is inserted into amouth area of the containers. By means of such a moving and insertingrinser nozzle, the highest cleaning results can be achieved, especiallywith very fine and light particles.

The nozzle position when inserting the rinsing nozzle into thecontainers is preferably controlled by a mechanical, hydraulic,pneumatic or similar device suitable for this purpose. Preferably, theheight of the nozzle head is detected at the start of the process,before the actual process and during the process. Preferably, theinsertion depth of the nozzles in the container and preferably the mouthof the container is adjusted in a targeted manner in order to achieveand guarantee an optimal cleaning result, depending on the type ofcontainer.

Compared to static rinsing nozzles, the degree of cleaning of thecontainers can therefore be increased enormously with moving nozzles, asa container is cleaned by a nozzle for a longer period of time. Bothwhen using a static nozzle and when using a moving nozzle, the cleaningof the containers is preferably carried out during the transport of thecontainers.

Preferably, if it is a moving nozzle or a moving and inserting nozzle,the containers are transported overhead, i.e. with the mouth downwards.

In a preferred embodiment, the application device is arranged outsidethe housing. This allows the housing to be as small as possible.

In a further preferred embodiment, the application device is arrangedalong the transport path upstream of the container outer surfacetreatment device and/or the container inner surface treatment device.Particularly preferably, the application device is arranged bothupstream of the container outer surface treatment device and of thecontainer inner surface treatment device. Preferably, a container isthus first acted upon by the application device with a flowable mediumbefore it is subsequently treated, in particular sterilised, by thecontainer outer surface treatment device and the container inner surfacetreatment device. This is particularly advantageous because thecontainer can be pre-cleaned by the application device before the outerand/or inner surface of the container is sterilised.

Preferably, the application device is not arranged directly in front ofthe container outer surface treatment device and/or the container innersurface treatment device. Advantageously, both transport devices andfurther container treatment devices can be provided between theapplication device and the container outer surface treatment deviceand/or the container inner surface treatment device.

In an advantageous embodiment, the container treatment apparatus has aheating apparatus for heating the container. Preferably, the heatingapparatus has at least one heating device, particularly preferablyseveral heating devices. Advantageously, the heating device can be aradiation source, for example for infrared or microwave radiation.

Preferably, the heating apparatus is arranged along the transport pathupstream of the container outer surface treatment device and/or thecontainer inner surface treatment device. Particularly preferably, theheating apparatus is arranged upstream of both the container outersurface treatment device and the container inner surface treatmentdevice. Preferably, a container is thus first heated by the heatingapparatus before it is treated, in particular sterilised, by thecontainer outer surface treatment device and the container inner surfacetreatment device.

In a preferred embodiment, the application device is arranged along thetransport path upstream of the heating apparatus and/or the applicationdevice is arranged directly upstream of the heating apparatus.Particularly preferably, the application device is integrated into theheating apparatus. Preferably, a container is thus first charged with aflowable medium by the application device before it is subsequentlyheated by the heating apparatus. This sequence is particularlyadvantageous if the flowable medium is a liquid medium. In this way, itcan evaporate particularly well due to the heating of the container inthe heating apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment, the container treatment apparatus has afurther transport device which is arranged between the heating apparatusand the container outer surface treatment device and/or the containerinner surface treatment device. Advantageously, this is exactly onetransport device which is arranged between the heating apparatus and thecontainer outer surface treatment device and/or the container innersurface treatment device. Whether this transport device is arrangedbetween the heating device and the container outer surface treatmentdevice or between the heating device and the container inner surfacetreatment device depends on whether the container outer surfacetreatment device or the container inner surface treatment device isarranged upstream in the transport direction.

A particularly preferred embodiment is one in which an applicationdevice is arranged first in the direction of transport, followed by aheating apparatus, then a transport device, in particular a singletransport device, and then a container outer surface treatment deviceand a container inner surface treatment device. Advantageously, theapplication device is thus arranged close to the container outer surfacetreatment device and the container inner surface treatment device. Thisminimises the possibility of re-contamination of the container betweenthe application device and the container outer surface treatment deviceand the container inner surface treatment device. This enables evenbetter disinfection results to be achieved.

Preferably, the transport device, which is arranged between the heatingapparatus and the container outer surface treatment device or thecontainer inner surface treatment device, is arranged outside thehousing.

Preferably, at most two further transport devices, particularlypreferably only one further transport device, are arranged inside thehousing in addition to the container outer surface treatment device andthe container inner surface treatment device.

In addition to the advantages already mentioned, this advantageouslyleads to greater geometric flexibility. In the prior art, five stars areusually arranged in the housing, in particular two treatment carouselsand three transfer starwheels. In the prior art, this leads to the factthat essentially only one spatial arrangement of the heating apparatusto the forming device is possible, in which the heating apparatus andthe forming device are arranged essentially at a 90° angle.

A 0° set-up of the heating apparatus and forming de vice cannot berealised in the state of the art. This can lead to considerablerestrictions in layout planning on the part of the customer.

Likewise, in the known prior art design, it is difficult to load anapplication device that is integrated into the inlet of the heatingapparatus, as collisions would occur due to a lack of availableinstallation space.

The reduction of the transport devices in the housing simplifies thepositioning of the transport devices or the container outer surfacetreatment device and the container inner surface treatment device inrelation to each other and thus results in a higher degree of freedom inthe arrangement of these. In this way, an arrangement of the heatingapparatus and the forming device can be advantageously realised in a 0°position. All other angular positions between 0° and 90° are alsoconceivable.

This also creates plenty of installation space to equip an integratedapplication device in the heating apparatus.

In an advantageous embodiment, the transport device between the heatingapparatus and the container outer surface treatment device or thecontainer inner surface treatment device is a pitch distributionstarwheel. This in turn allows a more clever arrangement of theindividual upstream and downstream machine modules.

The present invention is further directed to a method for treating andin particular sterilising containers, in particular plastic preforms. Inthis process, a container is transported along a predetermined transportpath, which lies at least partially within a housing, by severaltransport devices, wherein the container is treated and, in particular,sterilised on its outer surface at at least one transport device,wherein the container is treated and, in particular, sterilised on itsinner surface at at least one transport device, and wherein thecontainer is held by holding devices during container treatment and/ortransport along the transport path.

According to the invention, the outer surface of the container and/orthe inner surface of the container is acted upon with radiation, inparticular electron radiation, and/or the container is acted upon with aflowable medium by an application device.

In particular, the described apparatus is designed and intended forcarrying out this described method, i.e. all the features described forthe apparatus described above are also disclosed for the methoddescribed here and vice versa.

In an advantageous method, the container is acted upon with a flowablemedium before the outer surface of the container and/or the innersurface of the container is treated with radiation. In particular, thecontainer is preferably first pre-cleaned with a flowable medium andthen sterilised with electron radiation. In this way, particularly gooddisinfection results can be achieved.

Preferably, the container is acted upon with a flowable medium beforethe container is heated. This allows any residues of the flowable mediumto evaporate better.

Advantageously, the container is transferred directly from theapplication device to the heating apparatus. On the one hand, thisadvantageously reduces the risk of contamination, as the shortestpossible path between the application device and the container outersurface treatment device and the container inner surface treatmentdevice is realised. On the other hand, it is possible to integrate theapplication device into the heating apparatus.

The present invention is in particular directed to an improvement in thetransport of containers. In the beverage manufacturing industry, it hasbeen known for a long time that the manufacturing process of containerscomprises a plurality of container treatment devices and transportdevices. It is also known that linear and/or rotating transport devicesare used to transport the containers.

In the state of the art, a plurality of holding devices are known whichhold the containers during treatment and/or transport. For example, suchholding devices are known which grip the containers below the supportring, wherein the latter rests loosely on the holding device.Furthermore, such holding devices are known which grip the containers inthe area of a mouthpiece groove (narrow area between closure ring andsupport ring) or such holding devices which grip the containers in thearea of the mouth, for example by means of holding mandrels.

The present invention is described herein with reference to thesterilisation of containers, which is also a particularly preferredapplication of the invention. However, it is noted that the invention isalso applicable to other devices in which holding devices are used tohold containers.

Within the scope of the known manufacturing processes of containers,these must be repeatedly transferred between two transport devicesand/or container treatment devices, more precisely between their holdingdevices, for example between two transport starwheels.

For this purpose, the holding device (clamp) of one transport starwheelopens at the overlap point and releases the container, while the holdingdevice of the other transport starwheel closes and thus clamps or atleast encloses the container and transports it further. For this, it isnecessary that the container is gripped at different positions by theholding device (clamps). A distinction is made between holding devices(clamps) where the support ring rests and the container is clampedslightly below the diameter and holding devices (clamps) that gripbetween the closure ring and the support ring, the so-called mouthpiecegroove. The distance between the lower edge of the support ring and themouthpiece groove is very small, which means that there is very littlespace between the holding devices (pairs of clamps) during transfer,which greatly limits the design of the holding devices (clamps).

The holding devices known in the prior art for gripping the containerunderneath the support ring have the disadvantage that the support ringof the container only rests and the alignment is not ensured by theclosure ring and the support ring as in the case of a holding devicewith a mouthpiece groove clamp. Especially when using containers with asmaller support ring or similar, the container may not sit straight inthe holding device.

In addition to possible problems during the transfer between twotransport devices, problems can also occur during the treatment of thecontainers, for example during internal sterilisation by electron beams,in which a beam tube is inserted into the container. If the container isat an angle, the tube collides and the sterility of the container cannotbe guaranteed, which means that it has to be removed from the productionchain. In addition, a collision can also destroy the beam tube and thusthe entire electron beam emitter.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of providingsuitable holding devices which simultaneously ensure stable gripping ofthe containers and at the same time guarantee safe transfer of thecontainers between two transport devices. According to the invention,this object is achieved by an apparatus and a method according to theindependent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developmentsare the subject of the subclaims.

A container treatment apparatus according to the invention, inparticular a container sterilisation device, has a transport device fortransporting a container along a predetermined transport path, whereinthe transport device having at least one container treatment device,preferably a container outer surface treatment device and/orparticularly preferably a container inner surface treatment device,wherein the container, in particular a plastic preform or a plasticbottle, having a head region with a mouth, a closure ring, a mouthpiecegroove and a support ring.

In addition, the transport device comprises at least one first transportdevice and at least one second transport device, wherein the firsttransport device comprises at least one first holding device for holdinga container and the second transport device comprises at least onesecond holding device for holding a container during container treatmentand/or transport along the transport path.

According to the invention, the support ring of the container, inparticular the outer surface of the support ring and/or preferably theunderside of the support ring and/or particularly preferably the upperside of the support ring, is through the at least one first holdingdevice and the mouthpiece groove of the container, in particulardirectly abutting the underside of the closure ring, graspable by the atleast one second holding device.

The proposed holding devices offer the advantage that a container heldin this way is fixed, i.e. the support ring or the mouthpiece groove isclamped in place, and thus lateral tilting or an oblique arrangement ofthe container in the holding device can be effectively avoided.

Preferably, a container treatment apparatus, in particular a containersterilisation device, comprises at least one container treatment device,particularly preferably a plurality of container treatment devices.Preferably, the at least one container treatment device is selected froma group of container treatment devices comprising a container outersurface treatment device (in particular a container outer surfacesterilisation device), a container inner surface treatment device (inparticular a container inner surface sterilisation device), a heatingdevice, a forming device, a filling device, a closing device, aninspection device and the like.

Preferably, the transport apparatus comprises at least one firsttransport device and at least one second transport device. In anadvantageous embodiment, the at least one first and/or second transportdevice has a rotatable carrier and is preferably a transport starwheel.

However, it would also be possible here to use a long stator on which aplurality of shuttles are arranged, as described above.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one first and/orsecond transport device is associated with a container treatment devicewhich is suitable and intended for treating the container duringtransport. Particularly preferably, the at least one first and/or secondtransport device is part of a container treatment device.

Preferably, the container to be treated is a plastic bottle andparticularly preferably a plastic preform. The container preferably hasa head portion comprising a mouth, an (external) thread, a closure ring,a mouthpiece groove and a support ring.

Preferably, the closure ring has a smaller diameter than the supportring. Particularly preferably, the container has a (so-called)mouthpiece groove between the closure ring and the support ring.

Preferably, a first transport device has at least one first holdingdevice for holding a container and particularly preferably a pluralityof such holding devices. Preferably, a second transport device has atleast one second holding device for holding a container and particularlypreferably a plurality of such holding devices. Particularly preferably,the first and the second holding device differ by an area of thecontainer to be gripped and/or by contact or receiving areas which aresuitable and intended for gripping this area of the container.

Preferably, the at least one first and/or second holding device issuitable and intended to (firmly) grip a container and is capable ofstabilising the container, and particularly preferably capable ofpreventing lateral tilting of the container. Preferably, the at leastone first and/or second holding device at least partially encloses thecontainer, in particular a part of the head area of the container.

In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one first and/or the atleast one second holding device is designed in a clamp-like manner.

Preferably, the at least first and/or second holding device isconstructed in two parts, wherein preferably two holding elements orclamp elements (or clamp arms) are movably arranged on a common pivotaxis. Preferably, the at least first and/or second holding device can beoperated in a closed or gripping position and/or in an open position,wherein preferably the distance between the two ends of the holdingelements or clamp elements in this position is greater than the diameterof the container and/or an outer diameter of a mouth region of thecontainer.

In particular, the at least one first holding device is suitable andintended to grip the support ring of the container. In particular, theat least one second holding device is suitable and intended to grasp themouthpiece groove of the container. In an advantageous embodiment, thefirst holding device comprises a holding groove for grasping the supportring of the container. Preferably, the at least one first holding devicegrasps the underside of the support ring of the container at least insections and/or the outer side of the support ring at least in sectionsand/or the upper side of the support ring at least in sections.Particularly preferably, the at least one first holding device enclosesthe underside, the top side and the outer side of the support ring atleast in sections. This offers the advantage that the container is(optimally) fixed in the at least one first holding device and issecured against lateral tilting.

Preferably, the at least one second holding device is suitable andintended to grip the container in the area of the mouthpiece groove.Particularly preferably, the upper region of the mouthpiece groove isgripped, wherein the at least one second holding device resting againstthe underside of the closure ring of the container.

In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one first transport deviceand the at least one second transport device are arranged adjacent toeach other within the container treatment apparatus.

In an advantageous embodiment, the container treatment apparatus has atleast one transfer area in which the container can be transferredbetween the at least one first transport device and the at least onesecond transport device.

Preferably, the transfer area is designed in such a way that the atleast one first and the at least one second transport device runtangentially to each other. Particularly preferably, the transport pathof the at least one first holding device arranged on the at least onefirst transport device and the transport path of the at least one secondholding device arranged on the at least one second transport deviceoverlap.

In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one first holding device andthe at least one second holding device can be arranged in the transferarea overlapping each other and/or substantially perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the container.

This means that in the transfer area where the transport paths of the atleast one first and second holding devices intersect, the two holdingdevices are (essentially) parallel to each other and (essentially)perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. Since the twoholding devices engage both the support ring and the directly adjacentarea of the mouthpiece groove, the two holding devices come very closeto each other, which would not be possible with the holding devicescurrently used in the state of the art.

Particularly preferably, sections of the first holding device and thesecond holding device overlap in an area of the transfer of thecontainers.

In an advantageous embodiment, the end of the at least one first and theat least one second holding device facing the container is tapered, inparticular complementary to each other.

This offers the advantage that the first and second holding devices canbe placed very close to each other without touching. By using holdingdevices according to the present invention, it is possible to transfer acontainer between two transport devices, both of which grip thecontainer firmly and protect the container against lateral tilting.

In the prior art, such a transfer (between a transport device with aholding device that grips the support ring and a transport device with aholding device that grips the mouthpiece groove) requires an additionaltransport device, for example another transport starwheel, which gripsanother area of the container, for example below the support ring.

The use of the proposed holding devices offers the advantage that afurther transport starwheel can be dispensed with and thus the technicaleffort and the spatial expansion of the system can be significantlyreduced.

The present invention is further directed to a method for treatingcontainers. The proposed method may have all the features described inconnection with the above-described container treatment apparatus,individually or in combination with one another, and/or carry them out.

Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a method for treatingcontainers with a container treatment apparatus, in particular with acontainer sterilisation device. The container treatment apparatuscomprises a transport apparatus which transports a container along apredetermined transport path, wherein the transport device comprises atleast one container treatment device and the container comprises a headportion with a mouth, a closure ring, a mouthpiece groove and a supportring. The transport apparatus comprises at least one first transportdevice and at least one second transport device, wherein the firsttransport device comprises at least one first holding device for holdinga container and the second transport device comprises at least onesecond holding device for holding a container during container treatmentand/or transport along the transport path.

According to the invention, the at least one first holding device gripsthe support ring of the container, in particular the outer surface ofthe support ring and/or preferably the underside of the support ringand/or particularly preferably the upper side of the support ring, andthe at least one second holding device grips the mouthpiece groove, inparticular directly on the underside of the closure ring of thecontainer.

The proposed method offers the advantage that both the first and thesecond holding device enable a firm grip of the container and at thesame time offer protection against lateral tilting.

In an advantageous embodiment, the transfer of the container between theat least one first transport device and the at least one secondtransport device takes place in a transfer area, wherein the at leastone first holding device and the at least one second holding device arearranged to overlap during the transfer. In particular, the first andsecond holding devices are arranged in a direction perpendicular to thetransport path of the containers (in particular overlapping).

In a preferred method, at the time of transfer, the at least one firstholding device and the at least one second holding device are arrangeddirectly above each other, while the container is held by one of the twoholding devices.

In an advantageous embodiment, the transfer of the container between theat least one first transport device and the at least one secondtransport device is synchronised and/or takes place without the at leastone first holding device and the at least one second holding devicetouching each other.

Preferably, the gripping of the at least one first holding device or theat least one second holding device and the opening (release) of the atleast one second holding device or the at least one first holding devicetake place simultaneously and preferably synchronised with each other.Particularly preferably, the transfer of the container (gripping oropening) is synchronised with the movement of the at least one firsttransport device and/or the at least one second transport device.

Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a holding arrangementfor holding a container during a container treatment and/or a transportalong a predetermined transport path, in particular with at least onefirst and with at least one second transport device, in particular in atransfer area between the at least one first and the at least one secondtransport device.

The holding arrangement comprises at least one first holding device andat least one second holding device, wherein preferably the at least onefirst holding device is associated with the at least one first transportdevice and the at least one second holding device is associated with theat least one second transport device, wherein the at least one first andthe at least one second holding device each comprise at least twoholding elements, preferably clamp elements, which are suitable andintended for gripping a head region of a container.

The head portion of the container preferably has a mouth, an optionalclosure ring, a mouthpiece groove and a support ring. The at least twoholding elements are each pivotally mounted about a common pivot axisand are suitable and intended to be arranged in a position gripping thecontainer or in a position releasing the container.

According to the invention, the at least two holding elements each havea closing region which faces the container to be held and is tapered,wherein the at least one first and the at least one second holdingdevice can be arranged in an overlapping manner.

Preferably, the container is transferred from the at least one firsttransport device to the at least one second transport device or inreverse order in a transfer position in which the at least one first andthe at least one second holding device are arranged directly above oneanother (overlapping). Preferably, in this transfer position, the atleast one first holding device and the at least one second holdingdevice overlap such that the tapered region of the holding elements ofone holding device overlap with a non-tapered region of the otherholding device. Particularly preferably, the at least one first and theat least one second holding device, in particular their holdingelements, never touch each other.

In an advantageous embodiment, the tapered closing portions of theholding elements of the at least one first holding device and the atleast one second holding device face each other and are complementary toeach other.

In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one first and the at leastone second holding device are identical in construction and canpreferably be arranged on the at least one first transport device and/orthe at least one second transport device and, particularly preferably,can be arranged in two different positions. The two positions differformally by being mirrored on a horizontal plane. Preferably, thetapered area of the holding elements can thus point either upwards ordownwards.

Preferably, the at least one first and the at least one second holdingdevice, in particular their holding elements (clamps), are designed insuch a way that both a protruding part of the container, in particularthe support ring of the container, can be gripped and a flat section ofthe container, in particular the mouthpiece groove, can preferably begripped directly below the closure ring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages and embodiments can be seen in the attached drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a container treatment device in anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a further schematic view of a container treatment device ina further exemplary embodiment with a vertical projection of a transportpath;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of parts of two containersurface treatment devices;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary profile of thedisplacement of a holding device and/or a container along the heightdirection on a container surface treatment device;

FIG. 5 a shows an exemplary assignment of different sectors of acircular path to different process steps in a treatment device accordingto the state of the art;

FIG. 5 b shows an exemplary assignment of different sectors of acircular path to different process steps in a treatment device accordingto the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a transfer from the firsttransport device to the second transport device;

FIG. 7 shows a further schematic representation of a transfer from thefirst transport device to the second transport device;

FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of a transfer from the first transportdevice to the second transport device; and

FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of a transfer from the first transportdevice to the second transport device;

FIG. 10 shows a further illustration of a transport device with anexternal sterilisation device;

FIG. 11 shows an oblique view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 10 ;

FIG. 12 shows a detailed view of the outer treatment device;

FIG. 13 shows a sectional view of the outer treatment device;

FIG. 14 shows a representation of the transport of the plastic preforms;

FIG. 15 shows a representation of a lifting and rotating device with aplastic preform;

FIG. 16 shows an illustration of the lifting and rotating device;

FIG. 17 shows an illustration of the generation of rotational movementsof the holding device;

FIG. 18 shows a representation for the magnetic transmission ofrotational movements in a first embodiment;

FIG. 19 shows an illustration for the magnetic transmission ofrotational movements in a second embodiment;

FIG. 20 shows a representation for the magnetic transmission ofrotational movements in a third embodiment;

FIG. 21 shows a representation for the magnetic transmission ofrotational movements in a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 22 shows a representation for the magnetic transmission ofrotational movements in a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 23 shows an illustration of a relationship between a rotationalspeed and a generation of eddy currents;

FIG. 24 shows a representation for the magnetic transmission ofrotational movements in a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 25 shows an illustration for the magnetic transmission ofrotational movements in a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 26 shows a representation of an advantageous apparatus with aairlock device;

FIG. 27 shows a further illustration of an advantageous apparatus withan airlock device;

FIG. 28 shows a representation of an advantageous apparatus with arinser;

FIG. 29 shows a representation of a holding device for holding plasticpreforms; and

FIG. 30 shows a further illustration of a holding device for holdingplastic preforms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a container treatment device 1 in anexemplary embodiment. The container treatment device 1 shown, which inthe example shown is a container sterilisation device, has severaltransport devices 100, 200, 300 for transporting a container 10 along atransport path within a housing 400, which is not highlighted in thisillustration. One of these transport devices 100, 200, 300 is acontainer outer surface treatment device 100 and another is a containerinner surface treatment device 200, each comprising a plurality ofholding devices 140, 240 for holding at least one container 10 duringcontainer treatment and/or transport along the transport path.

At least one holding element 140 of the container outer surfacetreatment device 100 can be brought at least temporarily into the regionof an opening 420 of the housing wall 400. This enables this holdingelement 140 to receive a container from a space 412 outside the housing400 from a transport device 4 arranged there upstream with respect tothe transport path. This embodiment makes it possible to dispense withan additional transport device inside the housing, which picks up thecontainer from outside and forwards it to the container outer surfacetreatment device 100.

In the embodiment shown, the transport device 4 is arranged downstreamof a heating deco vice 2 comprising at least one heating device 5 suchas an oven or a (for example infrared or microwave) radiation source.The transport device 4 has a plurality of holding elements 40 forholding the containers 10, which are arranged together on a rotatablecarrier 20.

Part of the container outer surface treatment device 100 shown is acontainer outer surface application device 150, which in the exampleshown is a radiation source 150. However, it would also be conceivableto design it as a nozzle or nozzle arrangement by means of which a fluidmedium such as a sterilisation solution or a sterilising gas is appliedto the container surface to be sterilised.

In the container outer surface treatment device 100, the containers aretransported past the container outer surface application device 150 bythe holding elements 140 in a container outer surface application area152. During this transport, they are acted upon with the sterilisingmedium—in this case sterilising radiation. Advantageously, thecontainers 10 are not only moved along the transport path, but are alsomoved in at least one further direction, as described elsewhere. Thismovement may comprise a rotation (about a longitudinal container axisand/or a transverse container axis) and/or a displacement perpendicularto the drawing plane (i.e. in height direction H). Such individualmovement of the container to be treated makes it possible to treat all(outer) surfaces to be sterilised with a single container outer surfaceapplication device 150. Permanent shadowing of individual (outer)surfaces of the container 10 by other sections of the same container canbe avoided.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , a container 10 is transferreddirectly to a container inner surface treatment device 200 aftertreatment by the container outer surface treatment device 100. This alsocomprises a plurality of holding devices 240 which are arranged on arotating carrier 220. A container inner surface application device isalso provided. The container inner surface application device is notclearly visible in the depiction shown, as it is designed as a pluralityof beam fingers each overlapping with a position for receiving acontainer 10. Each holding element 240 is thus associated with one suchbeam finger. During rotation of the carrier 220, the containers aremoved relative to the beam finger associated with the holding element240 occupied by that container 10. This movement takes place in asection between the pick-up of a container 10 by the container innersurface treatment device 200 and the delivery to a transport device 300following along the transport path.

Preferably, this transport device 300 is a transport starwheel 300 witha rotatable carrier 320 and a plurality of holding elements 340 arrangedthereon. This transport starwheel 300 receives the containers 10 treatedby the container inner surface treatment device 200 and transfers themto a further transport device 4 arranged outside this housing 400.Preferably, the further transport also takes place under conditionswhich prevent contamination of the containers 10 treated by thecontainer treatment device 1, for example in a clean room.

As shown in the example shown in FIG. 1 , the area 410 enclosed by thehousing 400 is particularly small, which can be justified, among otherthings, by the fact that there is only one further transport device 300in addition to the container outer surface treatment device 100 and thecontainer inner surface treatment device 200 within the housing 400.

As a further treatment of the containers downstream of the treatment inthe container treatment apparatus 1, their forming into other containers10, such as bottles, for example, can be carried out by a forming device3, which is only indicated schematically. In addition or as analternative, the containers 10 treated by the container treatment device1 could be filled (and possibly closed).

FIG. 2 shows a further schematic view of a container treatment device 1in a further exemplary embodiment. Unlike in FIG. 1 , a transport path Tis shown along which the containers 10 (not shown in this figure) areguided during their transport. The transport path T is shown in avertical projection. Displacements of the containers during transport inthe height direction H, perpendicular to the drawing plane (and thusalso to the projection of the transport path), are therefore not visiblein this illustration.

In the embodiment example shown, the section of the transport path Tshown extends from a heating apparatus 2 via a transport device 4 intothe treatment device 1 and from this via a further transport device 4first to a forming device 3 and then further via a further transportdevice 4 for discharging the containers from the forming device 3. Alongthe transport path, a container is guided by holding devices 40, 140,240, 340, which are each arranged on rotatable carriers 20, 120, 220,320. The distance between two containers 10 or holding devices 40, 140,240, 340 directly following each other along the transport path can bechanged at least once, preferably several times. In particular, this ispreferred in the area of an application device (not shown in detail inFIG. 2 ) and/or in the area of the passage through a wall of the housing400, since the treatment time can be extended in the case of a slowedmovement along the transport direction in these areas, or the window inthe housing wall can be made smaller, in each case at the samerotational speed of the carrier. Details of this are describedelsewhere.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , exactly three transport devices 100,200 and 300 are also arranged inside the housing 400, namely thecontainer outer surface treatment device 100, the container innersurface treatment device 200 and a transport starwheel 300. Unlike inFIG. 1 , the holding elements 140 of the container outer surfacetreatment device 100 are designed as externally gripping clamps 140 andnot as mandrels. The design of the holding elements 140 can be adaptedto the respective requirements. Preferred designs of the holdingelements 140 of the container outer surface treatment device 100 arealso described in more detail elsewhere. As can also be seen from FIG. 2, it may be possible for the holding elements 140 of the container outersurface treatment device 100 to be arranged, at least temporarily and insections, outside the housing 400 in the environment 412 of the housing400 in order to receive a container outside the housing 400 and thenintroduce it into the interior 410 of the housing.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of parts of transport devices 4,100, 200, 300 between which a container 10 is transferred during itsmovement along the transport path. In the example shown, the transportdevices 300 are a container outer surface treatment device 100 and acontainer inner surface treatment device 200. The container outersurface application device or radiation source of the container outersurface treatment device 100 is not shown in this illustration. Thetransport device 4 is a transport device arranged outside the housing(not shown), which transfers the containers to the container outersurface treatment device 100. This transport device 4 is not discussedin detail in the description of the illustration according to FIG. 3 .

The drive devices 160 and 260 of the two container surface treatmentdevices 100, 200 (arranged inside the housing not shown) are arranged onthe side opposite the drive device 6 of the transport device 4 withrespect to the transport path of the containers 10 not shown. Thus, thedrive device 160 of the container outer surface treatment device 100 andthe drive device 260 of the container inner surface treatment device 200are arranged above the transport path and the drive device 6 of thetransport device 4 is arranged below the transport path. Preferably,they are located outside the housing 400, which is only shown insections, so that they can be serviced without having to open thehousing 400.

The “suspended” arrangement of the carrier 120 of the container outersurface treatment device 100 with the holding devices 140 arrangedthereon on the drive device makes it possible to provide a comparativelylarge free space within the housing not shown below the carrier 120. Forexample, a control cam, which is not shown, can be arranged in thisspace, along which guide rollers 108 of the container outer surfacetreatment device 100 can roll. The space described above is particularlyadvantageous in order to be able to obtain easy access to the controlcam and to be able to adjust it. Likewise, when changing the containers10 to be treated, for example, it would be conceivable to remove acontrol cam unit from the housing and replace it with another controlcam unit. Since no other components of the container outer surfacetreatment device 100 are permanently arranged in the area of the controlcam unit below the carrier, such a control cam unit can be removedwithout having to disassemble it. This allows for quick changeover,especially when repeatedly switching between several containers. Therespective control cam units could then be used immediately. A newadjustment to the container to be treated can be omitted—except for apossibly necessary fine adjustment.

In addition to the guide rollers 108, which, as described above, enabledisplacement of the holding device 140 and thus also of the containers10 guided by it in sections in the vertical direction, i.e. along theheight direction H, the container outer surface treatment device 100also comprises a displacement mechanism 110, by means of which it ispossible to displace a single holding device 140 perpendicularly to theheight direction H. This displacement can comprise, for example, adisplacement in the circumferential direction or a displacement in theradial direction with respect to the carrier 120. Of course,displacements having both a component in the circumferential directionand one in the radial direction are also conceivable and advantageous insome applications. In addition to this and independently of this,displacement along the horizontal direction H as described above is ofcourse also possible, for example due to the interaction of the guiderollers 108 with the cam. In particular, combinations of displacementsin at least two directions in the region of the (not shown) containerouter surface application device 150 are advantageous in order to beable to guide a container 10 as linearly as possible at a defineddistance along the container outer surface application device 150,despite the curvature of the circumferential path of the rotatingcarrier 120.

If necessary, a further movement of the container is possible duringthis guidance, for example a rotation about a horizontal (tilting) orvertical (rotating) axis in order to be able to avoid permanentshadowing of certain surfaces by other parts of the container. Thecontainer inner surface treatment device 200 is also a transport device300, since the container is also transported along the transport pathduring treatment by the container inner surface treatment device 200.For this purpose, a container 10 is first taken over by the upstreamtransport device 300, in this case the container outer surface treatmentdevice 100. This is done at a first height level. This low height levelis necessary because an internally gripping holding device 140 of thecontainer outer surface treatment device 100 is arranged between thebeam finger 250 of the container inner surface treatment device 200 andthe container.

In the example shown, the container 10 to be taken over is picked up bythe container inner surface treatment device 200, more precisely by oneof its holding devices 240, and then lowered to a lower height level.This is advantageous for removing the container from the internalgripping holding device 140 of the container outer surface treatmentdevice 100. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivableto raise the holding device 140 of the container outer surface treatmentdevice 100, wherein the space available for this is limited by the beamfinger 250.

After the container 10 has been withdrawn by the holding devices 240 ofthe container inner surface treatment device 200, it is at a lowerheight level as shown for the container 10.1. Subsequently, thecontainer 10 is raised again, thereby moving relative to a containerinner surface application device 250, preferably a beam finger 250. Therelative movement takes place in such a way that the beam finger 250projects at least in sections into the interior of the container 10.This enables the inner surfaces of the container 10 to be acted uponfrom a short distance, which is particularly efficient.

Preferably, the relative movement between the container 10 and the beamfinger 250 is effected by a movement of the container towards the beamfinger 250. In this case, the beam finger 250 or the container innersurface application device 250 can remain unchanged in position withrespect to the carrier 220. This has the advantage that only thecomparatively light and inexpensive container has to be moved and notthe sensitive beam finger 250 with the radiation generating device 252and possibly existing connections and/or supply lines. This radiationgenerating device 252 and any connections and/or supply lines that maybe present are preferably—as shown in the example shown—located outsidethe housing 400, which is only shown in sections, in order to enablemaintenance even when the housing is closed. The movement of a container10 or a holding device 240 during a rotation of the carrier 220 of thecontainer inner surface treatment device 200 is described in detail inconnection with FIG. 4 .

The delivery of the treated container 10.2 to a transport device notshown following along the transport path preferably takes placeimmediately after the beam finger 250 has completely left the container10.2. A lowering of the container 10.2 to the first height level atwhich the pick-up of the container 10.1 has taken place is notnecessary, but would reduce the sector available for the containertreatment, as described in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5 .

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary profile 280 ofthe displacement of a holding device 240 and/or a container 10 along theheight direction H on a container inner surface treatment device 200. Inthe region 270, the container 10 is received by the holding device 240of the container inner surface treatment device 200. As described above,it is first lowered in order to remove it from the internally grippingholding device 140 of the container outer surface treatment device 100.For a short time, the container 10 is thus at a height level which isbelow the height level at which the first contact with the holdingdevice 240 took place. The abscissa axis is marked with both t and θ.This is to symbolise that the profile can be both time dependent andangle dependent. Since the rotation of the support takes a certainamount of time anyway, the profile will usually be time-dependent andangle-dependent when using a rotating carrier 220.

As soon as the container 10 has been taken over by the holding device240 and both have moved sufficiently away from the container outersurface treatment device 100 due to the rotation of the rotating carrier220, the actual treatment process 272 can begin. For this purpose, thecontainer is lifted, i.e. moved along the height direction H. Thecontainer is then moved to the highest point. At the highest point, thecontainer inner surface treatment device 250, which is schematicallyshown as a beam finger 250, is located in sections inside the container.There and on the way there and away from it, it can act upon the innersurfaces of the container with a medium or radiation. As soon as thecontainer has been lowered to such an extent that the container innersurface application device 250 is arranged completely outside thiscontainer, the container is delivered in the area 274 to a transportdevice arranged downstream. This delivery takes place at a different, inparticular higher, height level than when the container is picked up inarea 270.

The necessary displacement of the holding device 240, which is then notoccupied by a container, to the first height level, namely the heightlevel for the container pick-up, takes place in a time interval, orangular range 276, in which no treatment of the container 10 can takeplace. Thus, this time interval 276, which is usually referred to as“dead time”, is no longer unused, but can actively contribute to thepreparation for the next treatment step or for the next containerpick-up 270. As illustrated in particular by FIGS. 5 a and 5 b , thetime 272 available for the actual treatment process or the containertreatment sector 272 can thus be increased. For a given treatment timeor the arc length used for this purpose, the circumference of the circleswept by the holding elements can be reduced. This enables a smallerradius and thus smaller dimensions of the rotating carrier 220.

FIG. 5 a shows an exemplary assignment of different sectors of acircular path to different process steps in a treatment device accordingto the state of the art. In sector 270, a container is taken over by aholding device. The arc of a circle belonging to this sector mustnecessarily have a minimum length, since the insertion of the beamfinger can only take place when the holding device 140 of the transportdevice arranged upstream must be completely removed from the range ofmovement of the holding device 240 and the container 10 picked up by it.

Therefore, only after leaving this sector the insertion of the beamfinger into the container can begin at the point marked θ1.

The following sector 272 is available for container treatment. Duringtreatment, the container is guided along the arc 290. The point θ2 inthis sector marks the turning point from which the beam finger is guidedout of the container. The sector 272 extends to the point θ₃ at whichthe beam finger is completely removed from the container. As soon asthis is ensured, the treated container 10 can be delivered to adownstream transport device 300 in sector 274.

Since the upstream transport device and also the downstream transportdevice 300 each occupy a certain space, the sector of the dead volume276 cannot be reduced at will. Depending on the dimensions of theadjacent transport devices, this sector usually spans a range of about75°-90°. Thus, the point θ₄ is usually about 270°-285° with respect tothe point of the beginning of the pick-up of the container θ₀. Thissector cannot be used for container treatment.

FIG. 5 b shows an exemplary assignment of different sectors of acircular path to different process steps in a treatment device accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Sectors and processsteps analogous to those shown in FIG. 5 a are marked with the samereference signs. Accordingly, in a container inner surface treatmentdevice 200 according to the present invention, the transfer of acontainer 10 takes place in sector 270, starting at point θ₀. Since thelowering of the holding device 240 preferably takes place in this sectoranyway, in which it is not yet possible to raise the holding device 240to avoid collisions with the holding device 140 of the transport device100 arranged upstream, the starting point θ₁ of the treatment is similarto the example from the prior art, despite the lowering.

The container treatment takes place in sector 272. The point θ₂ alsomarks the turning point from which the beam finger is guided out of thecontainer. Only direct comparison shows that sector 272 is wider thanthe sector available for treatment according to FIG. 5 a . The greaterwidth of sector 272 can be achieved because the transfer to a subsequenttransport device 300 in sector 274 takes place immediately when theholding device has been lowered so far that no section of the beamfinger is any longer inside the container 10. The return of the holdingelement to the height level, which must be present at point θ₀, does notoccur until sector 278, which is a section of sector 276 that marks thedead time. In the example shown, sector 278 extends over an angle of25°, namely from θ₅=310° to θ₆=335° (in each case with respect to θ₀).

Since for a given length L of the circular arc 290 (for example, by therotation speed and the treatment time), the radius r can be reducedaccording to the formula L=2π−r−θ/360 as the angle θ increases.According to the above formula, increasing the angle by 10° whilekeeping the arc length L the same allows the radius r to be reduced byalmost 20%. Since the radius is even included with r² in the circulararea required for the carrier 220, even small increases in the sector272 usable for treatment or in the angle between θ₁ and θ₃ result in alarge saving in area and also in material and weight for the containerinner surface treatment device 200.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a transfer from the firsttransport device 4 to the second transport device. In thisrepresentation, the second transport device is arranged inside thehousing 400 and is therefore not visible. The first transport device 4is a first pitch distribution starwheel, which is designed to change apitch between adjacently transported plastic containers. This is madepossible by the pivotable mounting of the holding elements 40.

The first transport device 4 has a rotatable carrier and transfers theplastic containers via a (transfer) window 420 to the second transportdevice arranged inside the housing 400. The reference sign 152 indicatesthe container outer surface application area in which the outertreatment of the plastic containers is carried out.

FIG. 7 shows a further schematic representation of a transfer from thefirst transport device 4 to the second transport device 100. For a moreprecise representation of this transfer, it is shown in FIG. 7 withoutthe housing. In particular, the moment of transfer is shown, duringwhich the plastic container 10 is held both by the holding element 40 ofthe first transport device 4 and by the holding element 140 of thesecond transport device 100. The second transport device 100 is a secondpitch distribution starwheel, which is also designed to change adivision between adjacently transported plastic containers.

The second transport device 100 has a lifting curve 402, 403 at least inthe area of the actual transfer, along which a guide roller 406 isguided so that a safe transfer is possible. The reference sign 105indicates a lifting and rotating device which enables a lifting movementof the holding element 140 towards the plastic container 10 during thetransfer, whereby the holding element 140 is inserted into the plasticcontainer 10 in order to hold it. The reference symbol 120 indicates therotatable carrier of the second transport device 100.

FIG. 8 shows a detailed representation of a transfer from the firsttransport device 4 to the second transport device 100. As in FIG. 7 ,the plastic container 10 is held in this representation both by theholding element 40 of the first transport device 4 and by the holdingelement 140 of the second transport device 100.

The first lifting curve 402 and the second lifting curve 403 betweenwhich a guide roller 406 of the lifting and rotating device 105 isguided are clearly visible in this illustration. The lifting androtating device 105 is suitable and intended for moving the holdingelement 140 along the vertical direction v in the direction of thecontainer.

FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of a transfer from the first transportdevice 4 to the second transport device 100, wherein the time of thetransfer shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is also shown here. The reference sign405 indicates a shielding device which shields the environment from theinterior of the housing 400 so that, for example, radiation and inparticular X-rays produced during sterilisation of the containers do notreach the environment.

FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of the device according to theinvention. Here again the transport device (inside the housing) is shownwith the rotatable carrier 120. To avoid repetition, please refer to theabove description of FIG. 3 .

The reference sign 150 identifies the container outer surfaceapplication device in its entirety. This has an electron generationdevice 172 which ends in a vacuum chamber 174. The reference sign 178identifies a vacuum pump, in particular for achieving a rough vacuum.The reference sign 140 indicates a holding device such as a holdingmandrel for holding the plastic preforms.

FIG. 11 shows a further illustration of a preferred embodiment of theinvention. Here, the drive device 160 is provided, as well as a wall158. The reference sign 152 indicates the container outer surfaceapplication area, in which the outer sterilisation of the container iscarried out. The reference sign 105 again indicates the lifting androtating device. Reference signs 182 and 183 refer to the upper andlower shields within the (not shown housing). As mentioned above, theupper shield 183 is stationary and the lower shield 182 can be lowered.

FIG. 12 shows a further illustration of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11. A plastic preform 10 is also shown here, which is held by the liftingand rotating device and sterilised on its outer surface. It can be seenthat the plastic preform is moved very close to the outer sterilisationdevice.

FIG. 13 shows a further sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG.12 . The reference sign 176 indicates the radiator surface of thesurface radiator 150 (i.e. of the outer surface sterilisation device).It can be seen that the entire outer surface sterilisation device isarranged within a housing, wherein the housing is preferably aradiation-shielding housing.

FIG. 14 illustrates the outer sterilisation of the plastic preform. Anarea of shielding 182 is provided which causes the plastic preforms tobe transported in a straight line along the line G in the area of theradiator surface in order to improve the sterilisation effect.

Preferably, this part of the shielding is modelled on the track of theplastic preform path, which is not shown. Due to the constrictions onboth sides, which are directed towards the surface radiator, animprovement of the radiation shielding can be achieved here.

In addition, it would also be possible for the plastic preforms to bemoved more slowly in this section than in other sections of thetransport path. At the same time, the plastic preforms are rotated inthis section with respect to their longitudinal axes.

FIG. 15 shows a detailed illustration of the illustration shown in FIG.14 . Here you can again see the plastic preform which, held by thelifting and rotating device, is moved past the radiator surface. Inaddition, the plastic preform is also rotatably mounted with respect toits longitudinal direction L or is rotated with respect to thislongitudinal direction L.

The arrangement of the upper and lower radiation shields shown in FIG.11 can also be seen, which are spaced apart so that the lifting androtating device with the carrier of the rotating unit can pass throughthem.

FIG. 16 shows a more detailed illustration of the lifting and rotatingdevice 105, which comprises a rotor 132 that is non-rotatably coupled tothe holding mandrel 30 and is rotatably mounted on the arm or boom 134.

The reference sign 137 indicates a carrier on which the boom 134 isarranged. This carrier 135 is mounted so that it can move linearly inrelation to a guide device 135 and is attached to a holder 133. Thereference sign 136 indicates a cam roller which, together with a guidecam (not shown), can trigger the linear movement of the holding mandrel.

FIG. 17 illustrates the generation of the rotary movement of the rotor132 and thus of the plastic preform held thereon. In addition to therotor 132, a stator 180 is also provided. This stator can be arranged onan inner wall of the housing of the apparatus. The stator here has aplurality of magnets, which are constructed by their magnetic northpoles NP and their magnetic south poles SP.

The reference sign 184 shows a stator carrier on which the magnets arearranged. FIG. 17 also shows a problem with the transmission of thetorques M. In the situation shown in the left part of the figure, thetransmission of torque to the rotor is at a maximum and in the situationshown in the right part of the figure, it is 0. For this reason, thereis an uneven transmission of torque and thus, especially at hightransport speeds, the plastic preform no longer rotates continuously.

FIGS. 18-20 show an improved design of the stator 180 and the rotor 132.It can be seen here that the magnets NP and SP do not extend parallel tothe axis of rotation as in FIG. 17 , but in sections at an angle. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 18 , the magnets extend in a straight line, butat an angle to the axis of rotation or the longitudinal direction L ofthe plastic preform, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 19 , they take onan overall arrow-like or jagged course, and in the embodiment shown inFIG. 20 , they take on an arcuate curved course.

In this way, the magnets are arranged with oblique teeth, which has asmoothing effect on the torque transmission (although the maximumtransmitted torque may be lower).

The reference sign Z indicates spaces between the individual magnets SPand NP.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21 , no magnets are provided either onthe stator 180 or on the rotor 132 (here on the stator 180), but amaterial with a high magnetic permeability, such as iron (Fe). Bysuitably guiding the magnetic fluxes, the torque fluctuations can beinfluenced in a favourable manner. This principle is also used inreluctance motors.

Preferably, the material of the magnet carrier, as explained above, isselected so that it has the lowest possible specific electricalresistance.

FIG. 22 shows a further illustration of this. In this embodiment, thecarrier 184 of the stator and the carrier 131 of the rotor are each madeof this material with low specific resistance.

FIG. 23 illustrates the effect of this design. Whenever the tangentialspeed is not equal to the ideal rolling speed on the bar, the opposingpermanent magnets induce a voltage in the conductive carrier materialand cause eddy currents. These brake or accelerate the roller and pushit in the direction of the ideal speed.

Basically, the idea corresponds to the principle of the eddy currentbrake, i.e. here the circumference of the roller is “braked” and thusthe roller itself is set in rotation.

For reasons of corrosion protection, the surface may need to be coated.

FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment in which the magnets are covered witha cover 196, for example a plate-like body made of aluminium.

The reference sign 190 roughly schematically indicates a monitoringdevice that monitors the transmission of the rotary movement to therotor 132. This can be, for example, a camera that is aligned with therotor. In addition, other non-contact sensors could also be used tomonitor the rotary motion. One problem here is that the rotorsthemselves move along the transport path of the plastic preforms.

FIG. 25 shows a further advantageous design which enables monitoring ofthe transmitted torques or the rotary movement of the rotor. In thisdesign, as mentioned above, coils 192 are arranged between the magnetsNP and SP, which here point axially in the direction of the roller. Aslong as the roller or rotor 132 rotates at the ideal speed and “rolls”along the bar or stator as desired, only a little voltage is induced inthe coils. However, if the roller slips or oscillates at its rotationalspeed, then relatively much voltage is induced in the coils due to thelarge change in flux density.

FIG. 26 shows an advantageous apparatus 1 for treating containers, inparticular plastic preforms 10. In this case, the plastic preforms 10are transferred via a transport device 4, which is located outside thehousing 400 of the apparatus 1, through an inlet or the window 420 oronto a transport device 100, in particular a transport starwheel.

This transport device 100 is located on a rotatable carrier (or has sucha carrier) and conveys the plastic preforms through or to a containerapplication device 150 for acting upon the outer surfaces. The preformsare then transferred to a further transport device 200, in particular atransport starwheel, which is located on a rotatable carrier 220 or hassuch a carrier.

A container application device, in particular a plurality of beamfingers for acting upon the inner area of the plastic preforms 10, isarranged on this transport device.

Finished plastic preforms 10 are transferred via a transport device 300,in particular a transport starwheel through an outlet 440 to a furthertransport device 4, which is arranged outside the housing.

The reference sign 152 indicates a container application area. Theplastic preforms 10 are conveyed on a transport device 100 in this areaand are acted upon there by a container application device 150. Theouter surfaces of the plastic preforms 10 are acted upon.

The reference signs 140, 240 and 340 indicate holding elements, inparticular holding mandrels for holding the plastic preforms 10. Theseare designed to enable a transition between the transport devices.

The reference sign 460 indicates an airlock device which removesdefective plastic preforms 10 or plastic preforms 10 which cannot meetcertain requirements from the apparatus 1 via the transport device 300.

FIG. 27 shows an apparatus 1 according to the invention with a airlockdevice 460, which is in an open state.

FIG. 28 also shows a schematic view of a container treatment apparatus 1in an exemplary embodiment. In particular, the transport devices 100,200, 300 for transporting a container 10 along a transport path within ahousing 400, which is not highlighted in this illustration, can be seen.Also in FIG. 13 , the transport device 100 is a container outer surfacetreatment device 100 and the transport device 200 is a container innersurface treatment device 200.

Also visible in FIG. 28 are the heating apparatus 2 and the furthertransport device 4, which is arranged between the heating apparatus 2and the container outer surface treatment device 100 and outside thehousing 400. Immediately in front of the heating apparatus 2 is anapplication device 8 which can act upon a container with a flowablemedium.

The reference sign 3 indicates a forming device, in particular ablow-moulding machine for forming plastic preforms into plasticcontainers. It can be seen that the heating apparatus 2 is arranged at adifferent angle to the forming device 3 than is the case, for example,in FIG. 1 . Whereas in FIG. 1 the heating apparatus 2 and the formingdevice 3 are arranged essentially at a 90° angle to each other, in FIG.28 they are arranged at a 0° angle to each other. This is particularlyadvantageous if an application device 8 is integrated in the heatingapparatus 2.

FIG. 29 shows a container 10, in particular a plastic preform, whosehead area comprises a mouth 11, a closure ring 12, a mouth groove 13 anda support ring 14.

The container 10 is held by a first holding device 900, which isdesigned as a two-part clamp. The first holding device 900 has a holdinggroove 903 which contacts the outer surface of the support ring 14. Thefirst holding device 900 is configured such that the underside of thesupport ring 14 is contacted in the entire area of the first holdingdevice 900. In addition, the first holding device 900 has an area 902which contacts the upper side of the support ring 14.

Overall, therefore, the support ring 14 of the container 10 is clampedboth laterally and from above and below by the first holding device 900and is thereby fixed and secured against unintentional lateral tilting.

It can also be clearly seen that the end of the first holding device 900facing the container 10 or the two ends of the individual clamps have atapered area 901. A more detailed description of the tapered area isgiven in connection with the description of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 30 shows a holding arrangement with a container 10 on which a firstholding device 900 and a second holding device 910 are arranged, forexample at the time of transfer between a first and a second transportdevice.

It can be seen, analogous to FIG. 29 , that the first holding device 900engages the support ring 14 of the container 10 and the tapered portion901 of the first holding device 900 points in the direction of thesecond holding device 910. The second holding device 910 engages in themouthpiece groove 13 of the container 10, wherein the second holdingdevice 910 resting against the underside of the closure ring 12.

The second holding device 910 also shows a tapered area 911, whichpoints in the direction of the first holding device 900. Furthermore, itcan be seen that the tapered areas 901 and 911 are complementary to eachother. This ensures that the two holding devices 900 and 910 do nottouch each other.

The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in theapplication documents as essential to the invention, provided they areindividually or in combination new compared to the prior art.Furthermore, it is pointed out that the individual figures also describefeatures which may be advantageous in themselves. The skilled personimmediately recognises that a certain feature described in a figure canalso be advantageous without adopting further features from this figure.Furthermore, the skilled person recognises that advantages can alsoresult from a combination of several features shown in individualfigures or in different figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   -   1 container treatment apparatus    -   2 heating apparatus    -   3 container forming device    -   4 transport device, transport starwheel (outside the housing)    -   5 heating device    -   6 drive device of the transport device or transport starwheel 4    -   10 container, preform    -   11 mouth of the plastic preform    -   12 closure ring    -   13 mouth groove    -   14 support ring    -   20 rotatable carrier    -   40 holding element, mandrel    -   100 container outer surface treatment device, transport device    -   105 lifting and rotating device    -   110 displacement device, displacement mechanism    -   120 rotatable carrier    -   131 rotor support    -   132 rotor of the lifting and rotating device    -   133 guide device    -   134 boomer    -   135 guide device    -   136 cam roller    -   137 carrier    -   140 holding element, holding device, mandrel    -   150 container outer surface application device, radiation source    -   152 container outer surface application area    -   158 wall    -   160 drive device (of the rotatable carrier of the container        outer surface treatment device)    -   172 high voltage cable with plug    -   174 vacuum chamber    -   176 radiation surface of the surface radiator    -   178 vacuum pump    -   180 stator    -   182 lower shielding    -   183 upper shielding    -   184 stator carrier    -   190 monitoring device    -   192 coils    -   196 shielding    -   200 container inner surface treatment device, transport device    -   220 rotatable carrier    -   240 holding element, holding device, clamp    -   250 container inner surface application device, beam finger    -   252 radiation generating device    -   260 drive device (of the rotatable carrier of the container        inner surface treatment device)    -   270 container receiving area, container transfer area, sector    -   272 container treatment area, sector    -   274 container delivery area, container transfer area, sector    -   276 dead time    -   278 area/sector of displacement of the unoccupied holding device    -   280 profile, height profile    -   290 (available for internal container treatment) circular arc    -   300 transport device, transport starwheel (inside the housing)    -   320 rotatable carrier    -   340 holding element, holding device, clamp, mandrel    -   400 housing    -   402 first lifting curve    -   403 second lifting curve    -   405 shielding device    -   406 guiding role    -   410 space inside the housing, housing interior, cleanroom    -   412 space outside the housing, environment    -   420 window (for introducing into the interior of the housing)    -   440 window (for discharging from inside the housing)    -   460 airlock    -   900 holding device    -   901 tapered area    -   902 area    -   904 holding groove    -   910 holding device    -   911 tapered area    -   v vertical direction    -   T transport path    -   L longitudinal direction of the plastic preform    -   K circuit    -   t time    -   S sector    -   G straight line direction of movement    -   H height direction    -   θ angle    -   ₁θ-θ₈ point on circle (-arc)    -   R radius    -   M torque    -   NP (magnetic) north pole    -   SP (magnetic) south pole    -   Z gaps between magnets

1. A container treatment apparatus with a transport apparatus configuredfor transporting containers along a predetermined transport path,wherein the transport apparatus comprises at least one transport devicefor transporting the containers and at least one container treatmentdevice for treating the containers in a predetermined manner, whereinthis transport device comprises a carrier, on which a plurality ofholding devices for holding at least one container are arranged, whereinthese holding devices being movable relative to the carrier in such away that a distance between two containers immediately following oneanother on the transport path can be varied, wherein the containertreatment device is arranged in such a way that it can treat thecontainers transported by the transport device.
 2. The containertreatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distance betweentwo containers directly following each other on the transport path isvariable during the movement of the containers.
 3. The containertreatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport devicehas a carrier designed as a stator, on which a plurality of holdingdevices are arranged for holding at least one container.
 4. Thecontainer treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thecontainer treatment device is configured to treat an outer surface ofthe containers.
 5. The container treatment apparatus according to claim1, wherein the transport device comprises at least one drive by whichthe containers held by the holding devices are rotatable with respect totheir longitudinal axis.
 6. The container treatment apparatus accordingto claim 5, wherein the at least one drive device generates the rotarymovement of the containers without contact.
 7. The container treatmentapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the containers are movable intheir longitudinal direction.
 8. The container treatment apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the container treatment device is selectedfrom a group of container treatment devices selected from the groupconsisting of container outer surface treatment devices, container innersurface treatment devices, container inspection devices, containerprinting devices, and container marking devices.
 9. The containertreatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the containertreatment apparatus comprises a housing within which at least thetransport device is arranged, wherein said housing forms a clean roomwhich shields an interior space of said housing from an environment. 10.The container treatment apparatus according to claim 9, wherein at leastone wall of the housing extends parallel to a portion of the transportpath of the containers.
 11. The container treatment apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the container treatment apparatus comprises at leastone further transport device configured for transporting the containers.12. The container treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thecontainer treatment apparatus comprises at least one second containertreatment device, wherein this second treatment device is a containerinner surface treatment device.
 13. A method for treating containers,wherein the containers are transported along a predetermined transportpath by a transport apparatus and wherein the transport apparatus has atleast one transport device configured for transporting the containersand wherein at least one container treatment device treats thecontainers in a predetermined manner, wherein this transport device hasa carrier, on which a plurality of holding devices are arranged whichhold the containers, wherein these holding devices are moved withrespect to the carrier in such a way that a distance between twocontainers immediately following one another on the transport path ischanged, wherein the container treatment device treats the containerstransported by the transport device.
 14. The method according to claim13, wherein the container treatment device treats an outer surface ofthe containers.
 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein thecontainer treatment device treats the containers while the containersare transported along a substantially straight transport path section ora transport section having a curvature which is different from thecurvature of the remaining transport path.